During the early medieval period on the Indian subcontinent, the Sena dynasty ruled from Bengal through the 11th and 12th centuries. The Sena dynasty is well-known for erecting Hindu temples and monasteries, such as the renowned Dhakeshwari Temple which is now in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In Kashmir, the dynasty is also thought to have built the Sankara Gaureshwara temple. In this article, we will discuss the Art and Architecture of Senas which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Art and Architecture - Background

• Pala and Sena School of Architecture was the name given to the architectural style in the Bengal region.
• Under the patronage of the Pala and Sena dynasties, it developed between the 8th and 12th centuries A.D.
• The Palas were largely Buddhist kings who followed the Mahayana tradition, although they were extremely tolerant of other religions and patronised them both.
• Viharas, Chaityas, and Stupas abound in the Pala Kingdom.
• The Senas were Hindus who built Hindu god temples while simultaneously preserving Buddhist structures.
• As a result, both religions' influences were reflected in the design.

Sena Sculpture

• A large number of sculptures depicting Hindu gods and goddesses date from the Sena rulers' period of artistic activity (1097-1223 AD).
• Sena sculpture is an artistic continuation of the Pala style, which was popular until the late 11th century AD.
• The late Pala period sculpture's slender body form is retained in the Sena period, but the modelling quality has deteriorated noticeably.
• Two dated images, one of Sadasiva from Rajibpur, Dinajpur, inscribed in the reign of Gopala III (c 1129-43 AD) and the other of Chandi from Dalbazar, Dhaka, inscribed in the third year of Laksmanasena, provide the stylistic index for Sena sculptures.
• The exuberance of decorative motifs is seen in this period's stone sculpture. The body is still modelled, but in a decadent way.
• This is most visible in the bronze image of Vishnu from Rangpur, which is now housed in the Indian Museum in Calcutta.
• The famous silver image of Vishnu from Churain, Dhaka, which is regarded as one of the best examples of metal caster's art, is no exception. These sculptures have a longer body shape than those from the 11th century.

• However, a few freestanding Sena period images show bolder and better modelling.
• In this regard, a stone torso of Garuda from Malda and a colossal stone head of Vishnu from Padumshahar Tank, both now housed in the Varendra Research Museum in Rajshahi, should be mentioned.
• A few composite figures also show evidence of improved modelling.

Dhakeshwari Temple

• Ballal Sena, a king of the Sena dynasty, built the Dhakeshwari (Durga) temple in the 12th century, and it is said that the city of Dhaka was named after the Goddess.
• Because of the numerous repairs, renovations, and rebuildings that have occurred over time, the temple's current architectural style cannot be dated to that period. It is regarded as an important part of Dhaka's cultural heritage.

Coinage

• The Sena dynasty was a powerful ruling dynasty in Bengal's political history.
• Purana, Dharan, and Dramma are just a few of the currency names mentioned in the Sena writings.
• A silver coin weighing 32 ratis (56.6 grains) or a karshapan weighing scale were both referred to by these terms.
• In the writings of the Sena kings and other contemporary kings, the term Kapardaka Purana is seen as a medium of exchange. Karpadak means cow, and 'Purana' is unquestionably a type of silver coin.
• The conjunction 'kapardaka-purana' refers to a medium of exchange with the same quality as a purana or silver coin (56.6 grains), but whose value is determined by the proportional denominator.
• Instead of one silver coin, the table found in Bengali traditional arithmetic contained 1260 cowries. That is, the Purana to Kapardaka ratio is 1:1280.
• Excavations at Paharpur and Kalgang have yielded reliable evidence of cowrie's widespread use in early medieval Bengal (Bihar near Bhagalpur).
• Cowries were widely circulated in early medieval Bengal, despite the scarcity of precious coins.

Conclusion

With the exception of a few noble examples, the sculptures of the Sena period can be regarded as products of a degenerate system, demonstrating unequivocally that the art tradition was nearly exhausted from within and on the verge of stagnation by the end of the 12th century. Sensuality and grace were also characteristics of previous centuries' sculptures, but it was Senas who allowed them to degenerate into a more worldly lavishness.

FAQs

Question: What is the significance of the Sena Dynasty in Indian history?

Question: What are some notable architectural contributions of the Sena Dynasty?

Question: How did the Sena Dynasty influence art and culture during their reign?

Question: What role did Ballal Sena play in shaping the cultural landscape of the Sena Dynasty?

Question: How did the architectural style of the Sena Dynasty differ from other dynasties of the period?

MCQs

1. The Sena Dynasty primarily ruled over:

A) Western India

B) Bengal and Bihar

C) Southern India

D) Northern Rajasthan

2. Which temple is associated with the architectural contributions of the Sena Dynasty?

A) Brihadeeswarar Temple

B) Konark Sun Temple

C) Dhakeshwari Temple

D) Meenakshi Temple

3. Ballal Sena is known for introducing which system?

A) Varna system

B) Kulina system

C) Devadasi system

D) Bhakti system

4. The Sena Dynasty's architectural style is characterized by:

A) The use of white marble

B) Terracotta carvings and sculptures

C) Massive fortifications

D) Wooden structures

5. The Sena rulers were known for promoting:

A) Persian literature

B) Buddhist monasticism

C) Sanskrit literature and Hindu culture

D) Islamic art

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the contributions of the Sena Dynasty to art and architecture in medieval India.

Answer: The Sena Dynasty made significant contributions to art and architecture during their rule over Bengal and Bihar in the 11th and 12th centuries. They built temples, including the famous Dhakeshwari Temple, characterized by terracotta sculptures, intricate carvings, and decorative motifs. The architectural style of the Sena rulers reflected their devotion to Hinduism and promoted religious practices and cultural revival. They were patrons of art and literature, supporting the growth of Sanskrit scholarship and the preservation of traditional art forms. The Sena Dynasty's contributions laid the groundwork for Bengal's rich cultural and architectural heritage, influencing subsequent periods and dynasties.

Q2: Analyze the role of Ballal Sena in shaping the cultural and social practices of the Sena Dynasty.

Answer: Ballal Sena, one of the prominent rulers of the Sena Dynasty, played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and social practices of his time. He introduced the Kulina system to regulate social and religious practices, strengthening the social hierarchy among Hindu elites. Ballal Sena was a patron of Sanskrit literature and supported the construction of temples, reflecting his commitment to reviving Hindu traditions. His efforts contributed to the consolidation of cultural and religious identity in Bengal, reinforcing Hindu practices and values that endured beyond his reign. Ballal Sena's policies and patronage had a lasting impact on the region's socio-cultural landscape.

Q3: Evaluate the architectural style of the Sena Dynasty and its impact on medieval Indian architecture.

Answer: The architectural style of the Sena Dynasty is characterized by intricate terracotta work, decorative carvings, and temple construction dedicated to Hindu deities. The use of terracotta, a distinctive feature, allowed for detailed sculptural expression and artistic innovation. Sena temples, such as the Dhakeshwari Temple, showcased the dynasty's commitment to religious devotion and artistic excellence. The Sena architectural style influenced regional architectural practices in Bengal and set a precedent for subsequent architectural developments. Their emphasis on temple building and artistic patronage contributed to the cultural richness of medieval India, leaving a lasting legacy on the region's architectural heritage.

Previous Year Questions on  Art & Architectures of Senas

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Examine the contributions of the Sena Dynasty to medieval Indian culture and its legacy.

Answer: The Sena Dynasty played a significant role in the cultural development of medieval India, particularly in Bengal and Bihar. They were patrons of Hinduism and promoted religious practices through temple construction, literature, and social reforms. The architectural contributions, including terracotta-decorated temples, reflect their artistic vision and devotion to religious traditions. The introduction of the Kulina system by Ballal Sena helped codify social practices, influencing societal norms for generations. Their patronage of Sanskrit literature and scholarship ensured the preservation and flourishing of cultural heritage. The Sena Dynasty's legacy is evident in the continued cultural and religious practices in Bengal and its influence on regional art and architecture.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: Discuss the impact of Sena Dynasty's architecture on the cultural heritage of Bengal.

Answer: The Sena Dynasty's architectural contributions significantly impacted the cultural heritage of Bengal, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped regional art and architecture. Their temples, adorned with intricate terracotta carvings and sculptures, reflected religious devotion and artistic excellence. The Dhakeshwari Temple stands as a testament to their architectural vision. The use of terracotta allowed for detailed artistic expression, distinguishing their structures from other contemporary dynasties. The Sena Dynasty's emphasis on temple construction and patronage of Hindu culture reinforced religious identity and cultural practices in Bengal, influencing the region's architectural and cultural developments for centuries.