Home > Indian History > History of India > Religion during Pala Dynasty
Religion during Pala Dynasty
Religion during Pala Dynasty was Mahayana Buddhism as well as Hinduism.

Share this Article:

Religion during Pala DynastyThe Palas were the followers of Mahayana Buddhism. Their popular beliefs have resulted in the creation of several temples and works of art. Buddhism suffered a possibility of extinction after the reign of King Harsha Vardhana. But the coming of the Palas again popularised Buddhism as a religion in the Indian subcontinent. Religion during Pala Dynasty was characterized by Buddhism and Hinduism. The Palas were the devotees of Buddha and also worshipped the avatars of Vishnu. Various temples emerged during the Pala rule in Bengal, Bihar and Assam. According to history, the Hayagriva avatar temple in Assam was built by the Pala Dynasty. The Palas were constructed to have constructed a temple of the god Janardana (Krishna- Vishnu) also.

Religion during Pala Dynasty thus saw the emergence of Buddhism and they patronized Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana is one of the major branches of Buddhism. Apart from India, this particular belief existed in the areas of China, Tibet, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan. It is during the Pala rule, the spread of Mahayana Buddhism occurred in the countries like Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and the Indonesian archipelago. Several Buddhist scholars of the Pala Empire travelled from Bengal to the Far-East and propagated Buddhism. Outstanding Personalities such as Shantarakshit, Padmanava, Dansree, Bimalamitra, Jinamitra, Muktimitra, Sugatasree, Dansheel, Sambhogabajra, Virachan, Manjughosh and Atish Dipankar Srigyan travelled to the neighbouring countries for the extend of Buddhism.

The Pala Dynasty contributed a lot to the societies of Bengal, Bihar and Assam. Their belief and religious practise helped in the growth of universities of Vikramshila and Nalanda and became seats of learning for East Asia. In addition to that Religion during Pala Dynasty supported Vaishnavism as well as Saivism. Many coins found at the time of Pala period depicted the existence of Shiva worship, Vishnu Worship as well as Saraswati. Furthermore, substantial evidence proves that Pala dynasty also worshipped female deities. Several images of goddess of diverse types were worshipped. However, goddess worship was only confined to the Hindu segment in the society.

The long Pala period and the selected Religion during Pala Dynasty produced a commixture atmosphere of Hindu-Buddhist culture. This admixture resulted in the evolution of the sahajiya and tantrik cults. The Palas introduced a heritage of religious-social-cultural synthesis and this can be marked as the glorious achievement of the period and this attribute became a vital ingredient of ancient Bengal.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.