Palas were devout Buddhists and they practised Mahayana Buddhism but Hinduism and Brahmanism were also patronised by them. They built large numbers of Buddhist monasteries and temples throughout their reign. They sent many Buddhist scholars to other parts of the world which helped to spread Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Indonesia. This article will explain to you the Religion of Palas which will be helpful in History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Religion During Palas

The Palas were Mahayana Buddhist patrons. They attained a high regard in the Buddhist world as rulers.

Gopala

• A few sources published after Gopala's death refer to him as a Buddhist, although it's unclear whether this is accurate.
• According to Taranatha (Tibetan Bhuddist scholar), Gopala was a devout Buddhist who founded the famed Odantapuri monastery in Bihar.
• The Pala rulers who succeeded Gopala, were all Buddhists.

Dharmapala

• Dharmapala designated Haribhadra, a Buddhist philosopher and author, as his spiritual mentor.
• He is also credited by Taranatha (Tibetan Bhuddist scholar) as founding 50 religious buildings.
• He renovated the Nalanda university, built the Vikramasila university and Somapura Mahavihara, all of them were Buddhist academic centres.
• Under his patronage, Nalanda gained fame and was called as one of the first great universities in human history.

Devapala

• Devapala, renovated the structures at Somapura Mahavihara which also included various themes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
• The king of Java, Balaputradeva, sent him an ambassador, requesting a donation of five villages for the construction of a monastery at Nalanda. Devapala agreed to the request.
• He made Viradeva, a Brahmin, the head of the Nalanda monastery.

Mahipala

• By Mahipala, several sacred structures at Sarnath, Nalanda, and Bodh Gaya were ordered to be built or repaired.
• In Bengal, the Mahipala geet ("songs of Mahipala"), a collection of folk songs about him, is still popular and widely practised.

Other Religious Aspects of Palas Rulers

• After Mahipala, many rulers of Pala dynasty started to get influenced by Hinduism and Brahmanism.
• They patrontised Shaivism and Vaishnavism along with Buddhism.
• For example, Narayana pala built his own Shiva temple and was present at the sacrificial site with his Brahmin minister.
• So, during the Pala dynasty's reign, images of Vishnu, Siva, and Sarasvati were also built, in addition to Buddhist deities.
• Atisha, Santaraksita, Saraha and Tilopa are notable Buddhist scholars from the Palas period.
• Buddhist scholars from the Pala empire travelled to various parts of the world to spread Buddhism. For Example, scholars were sent to Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Indonesia.
• Palas were generous in their support for numerous monastic communities and the upkeep of monasteries that were under the patronage of learned masters.

Changes in Buddhism During Palas

• During the Pala period, Mahayana Buddhism underwent transformations.
• Philosophical components of Mahayana Buddhism were abandoned, and Tantric practises increasingly penetrated the Mahayana cult, giving rise to the term "Vajrayana."
• This transformation was seen after Dharmapala's reign, his successors shifted toward Tantric Buddhist devotion.
• Vikramasila university was well-known for providing specialist Tantra training (Tantrism).
• By the middle of the Pala reign, Bengali Buddhist practices had diverged significantly from that of its founder, the "Enlightened One."
• It had relocated to new principles that had little to do with the original concept.
• The original version was founded on the observance of a code of ethics and relied on a rationalisation of the human predicament but later on, it was based on Tantras and tantric practices used widely .

Policy of Religious Toleration by Palas

• Despite the fact that the Pala monarchs were Buddhists, the majority of their subjects were Hindus.
• Dharmapala has made religious tolerance the official policy of the state. He claimed to be "conversant with the principles of shastras''.
• His successors continued to follow this policy.
• Though the Pala emperors were devoted Buddhists, there is no question that Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as Brahmins, enjoyed generous favour from them. Brahmins had positions of power in the government.
• Except for one or two, all of the Pala copper plates document land grants to Hindu gods and goddesses temples or Brahmins.
• There is no indication of religious animosity in the society between Buddhists and Hindus.
• The social life of the folk throughout the Pala period was characterised by religious tolerance and mutual cohabitation.

Conclusion

As Palas were devout Buddhists and practised Mahayana, they constructed great Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and viharas throughout their reign. But they also supported Shaivism and Vaishnavism. They gave land concessions to brahmans and constructed temples. They made religious tolerance the official policy of the state as the majority of their subjects were Hindus.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following was the primary religion of the Palas during their reign?

A) Hinduism
B) Jainism
C) Buddhism
D) Islam

2. What was the most notable contribution of the Pala dynasty to Indian religion?

A) Construction of Hindu temples
B) Preservation of Jain texts
C) Patronage of Mahayana Buddhism
D) Promotion of Islam

3. Which of the following universities was prominently supported by the Pala dynasty?

A) Takshashila University
B) Nalanda University
C) Aligarh Muslim University
D) Benares Hindu University

4. How did the Palas contribute to the spread of Buddhism outside India?

A) By sending missionaries to Europe
B) By promoting Hindu-Buddhist unity
C) By sending scholars to Southeast Asia
D) By converting the Chinese

5. What is the legacy of the Pala dynasty in Indian religious history?

A) Establishment of the first Islamic empire in India
B) Revival of Jainism
C) Revival and promotion of Mahayana Buddhism
D) Spread of Hinduism in Southeast Asia

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of the Pala dynasty in the promotion of Buddhism in India and Southeast Asia. How did their patronage shape the development of Mahayana Buddhism?

Answer: The Pala dynasty played a significant role in the promotion and preservation of Mahayana Buddhism in India. Under rulers like Dharmapala, the dynasty revived Buddhist monasticism and ensured the prosperity of institutions such as Nalanda University. The Palas also sent scholars to Tibet and Southeast Asia, where they contributed to the establishment of Buddhism in these regions. Their patronage helped maintain Buddhist teachings and traditions, influencing Buddhist practices and art in India and abroad.

Q2: Evaluate the significance of religious tolerance during the reign of the Palas. How did this policy impact the political stability of the empire?

Answer: The Pala rulers were known for their religious tolerance, which helped maintain harmony among the diverse religious communities in their empire. Despite their patronage of Buddhism, they allowed the practice of Hinduism and Jainism, which contributed to a peaceful coexistence of different faiths. This policy helped the Pala empire avoid religious conflicts, fostering political stability and economic growth. It also allowed the Palas to garner support from various sections of society, enhancing their rule.

Q3: Analyze the contribution of the Pala dynasty to Indian religious architecture and art. How did their patronage of Buddhism reflect in the architecture of their time?

Answer: The Pala dynasty's patronage of Buddhism greatly influenced the architecture and art of their time. They built numerous Buddhist monasteries, temples, and stupas, which displayed a unique blend of indigenous Indian and Central Asian architectural styles. The famous stone sculptures, intricate carvings, and the construction of monumental buildings like the Vikramashila Monastery and Nalanda University stand as testament to their support for Buddhist culture. The Palas also fostered the development of Buddhist iconography, which is seen in the rich traditions of art and sculpture during their reign.

Previous Year Questions on Religion of the Palas

1. UPSC CSE

Question: The Pala dynasty is known for its significant contributions to which of the following?

A) Jainism
B) Hinduism
C) Buddhism
D) Sikhism

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Pala dynasty is primarily known for its significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of Mahayana Buddhism in India and Southeast Asia.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Discuss the role of the Pala dynasty in promoting Buddhism. How did their patronage of Buddhist monasteries and education shape the cultural landscape of India?

Answer: The Pala dynasty was instrumental in promoting Mahayana Buddhism in India. The dynasty's patronage extended to Buddhist monasteries like Nalanda and Vikramashila, which became centers of learning. The support for Buddhist education and art helped sustain Buddhist culture in India and spread it to regions like Tibet and Southeast Asia. The Pala dynasty's efforts in promoting Buddhism led to a cultural renaissance that shaped the intellectual and religious landscape of India for centuries.