Dharmapala (ruled in the eighth and ninth century) was the second emperor of the Pala Kingdom of Bengal and Bihar. He was the son and heir of Gopala, the Pala Dynasty's founder. He considerably enlarged the empire's borders and established the Palas as a powerful force in northern and eastern India. He was a great follower of Buddhism. He revived the Nalanda University and founded Vikramshila University which became the great learning centre of Buddhism. Here we will discuss more about Dharma Pala, which will be helpful in understanding the topic ‘Famous Personalities of India’ for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.

Dharma Pala - A Patron of Buddhist Teachings

• He was the second ruler of Bengal's Pala dynasty and the son of Gopala, the Pala dynasty's founder.
• There is a paradox in Dharma Pala's reign. Some claim it was between 770 and 810 AD, while others say it was between 783 and 820 AD.
• He was a fervent Buddhist devotee, who resurrected Nalanda University and built Vikramshila University, which became a major Buddhist study centre.
• He also constructed the Somapuri Vihara in Verendri and the Paharpur Vihara.
• He is credited by Taranatha for founding 50 religious institutions and funding Buddhist author Haribhadra.
• He is also credited with the construction of a monastery at Odantapuri, however some Tibetan tales, such as Taranatha's, claim that it was erected magically and then committed to Devapala.

Among the Buddhist epigraphs unearthed during Dharmapala's reign are:

1. Khalimpur Copper Plate (West Bengal)
2. Nalanda Copper Plate (Bihar)
3. Nalanda Stone Inscription (Bihar)
4. Balgudar Image Inscription (Bihar)
5. Paharpur Seals (Presently in Bangladesh)

Vikramshila University

• Vikramshila University, together with Nalanda University, became India's premier centre for Buddhist study.
• Vikramshila University is located in Kahalgaon, Bihar, near Bhagalpur.
• Nalanda, Vikramshila, Somapuri, Paharpur, and Odantapuri are known as the Five Mahaviharas.
• Bakhtiyar Khilji demolished the Vikramshila University in 1200 AD.
• Atisa Dipankara, the founder of the Tibetan Buddhist Sarma tradition, was a student at Vikramshila University.

Conclusion

Dharma Pala was an important figure in Ancient India. He dedicated himself to Buddhism and made significant contributions to Buddhist learning in ancient India.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who was the main patron of the Vikramshila Monastery?

A) Harsha

B) Dharma Pala

C) Ashoka

D) Kanishka

2. Which Buddhist school did Dharma Pala strongly support?

A) Theravada Buddhism

B) Mahayana Buddhism

C) Tibetan Buddhism

D) Vajrayana Buddhism

3. Which of the following was a key architectural contribution of Dharma Pala?

A) Ajanta Caves

B) Somapura Mahavihara

C) Sanchi Stupa

D) Rock-cut Temples of Badami

4. What was the role of Dharma Pala in the cultural exchange between India and Tibet?

A) He invited Tibetan Buddhist monks to India

B) He established diplomatic relations with Tibetan rulers

C) He sent monks to spread Buddhism in Tibet

D) He built Tibetan monasteries in India

5. Which of the following monasteries was associated with Dharma Pala?

A) Nalanda University

B) Vikramshila Monastery

C) Drepung Monastery

D) Potala Palace

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Examine the role of Dharma Pala in the development of Buddhist art and architecture.

Answer: Dharma Pala played a key role in the development of Buddhist art and architecture, particularly through his patronage of the Bihar School of Buddhist Art. His reign saw the construction of notable Buddhist monasteries, including the Vikramshila Monastery and Somapura Mahavihara, which became centers for Buddhist scholarship and art. The architectural style of these structures incorporated intricate sculptures, frescoes, and reliefs that depicted important Buddhist teachings. His support for Buddhist monasticism led to a revival in Buddhist artistic traditions that influenced regions as far as Southeast Asia and Tibet. Dharma Pala’s patronage also ensured that the Buddhist tradition flourished during a period of cultural exchange between India and neighboring regions, strengthening the global influence of Indian Buddhism.

Q2: Discuss how Dharma Pala’s reign influenced the spread of Mahayana Buddhism in India and beyond.

Answer: Dharma Pala’s reign was marked by his strong support for Mahayana Buddhism. He was instrumental in the construction and expansion of key Buddhist institutions such as the Vikramshila Monastery, which became a center of Mahayana scholarship. Under his patronage, Buddhist monks and scholars spread the ideals of Mahayana Buddhism not only across India but also to Southeast Asia, China, and Tibet. His support ensured that Mahayana teachings, which emphasize the Bodhisattva ideal, compassion, and wisdom, gained prominence. Dharma Pala’s reign also facilitated the establishment of Buddhist learning centers that became pivotal in shaping the future of Mahayana Buddhism in Asia.

Q3: Assess the contributions of Dharma Pala in the preservation and propagation of Buddhist culture and teachings.

Answer: Dharma Pala’s contributions to the preservation and propagation of Buddhist culture were monumental. He actively promoted Buddhist monasticism by providing financial and logistical support to the construction of monasteries and stupas. The Vikramshila and Somapura Mahavihara monasteries, established during his reign, became crucial centers for Buddhist learning and intellectual exchange. These institutions preserved Buddhist texts, rituals, and teachings, while also engaging with scholars from various parts of Asia. Additionally, Dharma Pala’s diplomatic efforts fostered cultural and religious exchanges, particularly with Tibet, thereby ensuring the continuity of Buddhist teachings beyond the Indian subcontinent. His patronage also influenced the spread of Buddhist art, which played a key role in visualizing and spreading Buddhist ideals.

Previous Year Questions on Buddhism and Indian Culture

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018:

Question: Which of the following monasteries was established by Dharma Pala?

A) Nalanda University
B) Vikramshila Monastery
C) Bodh Gaya Temple
D) Sanchi Stupa

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Vikramshila Monastery was established by Dharma Pala in the 8th century. It became one of the most prominent centers for Buddhist studies and played a crucial role in the propagation of Mahayana Buddhism in India and neighboring regions.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2017 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Evaluate the significance of Buddhist monasteries under the Pala rulers in the spread of Buddhism.

Answer: The Pala rulers, especially Dharma Pala, were key patrons of Buddhist monasteries such as Vikramshila and Somapura Mahavihara. These institutions became major centers of Buddhist scholarship and played a critical role in the preservation and spread of Buddhist teachings across India, Southeast Asia, and Tibet. They contributed to the intellectual flourishing of Mahayana Buddhism, influencing religious practices and the dissemination of Buddhist art and culture.