Dharmapala ; Pala Dynasty ¦ Made Palas as the dominant power in North India ¦ Indian History - 44

Dharmapala, was the second ruler of the Pala Empire, of Bengal region in the Indian subcontinent. Dharmapala, the son of Gopala, was the greatest king of Bengal has ever witnessed. He made Pala dynasty's rule as the most significant one, as far as Bengal's development is concerned. He greatly expanded the boundaries of the empire, and made Pala's as dominant power in the northern, and eastern India. Dharmapala directly ruled over the present day Bengal, and Bihar, and installed a nominee at Kunnoch. The Pala chronicles also claim that, several other rulers of North India acknowledged his suzerainty. The most important event of his reign was, the tripartite struggle for the supremacy over Madhyadesha, of Northern India. That involved, the Palas in a long drawn struggle with the Rasthrakutas of Deccan, and the Gurjarapardiharas of Malwa and Rajasthanap. The northern antagonist of Dharmapala was, Bhatsaraja Pradihara of Rajputana and Malwa. While Dharmapala was pushing back the boundary of his kingdom to the extreme west. Bhatsaraja Pradihara was expanding his kingdom in the east, with an aim to occupy the city of Kunnoch. The first phase of the tripartite struggle, opened a clash between Dharmapala and Bhatsaraja, the Pradihara king. Bhatsaraja defeated Dharmapala in a battle fought near Prayag. In due course, Rasthrakuta king Dhruva appeared in the scenario, and crushed Bhatsaraja to defeat. Dharmapala was the next target of Dhruva's northern campaign. After Bhatsaraja defeat, Dharmapala regained the control of Kunnoch, but was defeated by Dhruva Dharavarsha of Rashtrakuta dynasty. Dhruva, however could not consolidated his victory, as he had to return to the south, to save his kingdom. A temporary space was created in the political scenario of north India, when Dhruva returned to Deccan, and Bhatsaraja was shattered by the Rashtrakutas. After Dhruva's death in 793 AD, the Rasthrakuta were weakened by a war of succession. Taking advantage of this situation, Dharmapala recaptured Kunnoch, and placed his vassal Chukraudha on the throne. He became the most powerful ruler in north India, and declared himself as Uttara Pathasvamin, lord of north. The kings of Bhoja, Matsya, Madra, Kuru, Yadu, Yavna, Avanti, Gandhara, and Kira also had offered their submission to Dharmapala Susiranti. Though Dharmapala had conquered almost a major part of north India, yet he did not rule the whole empire individually. He had entrusted vassals to rule on his behalf. However, his fame and prosperity was temporary. The fresh and renewed attack of the Pratiharas, appeared as a challenge to the undisturbed sovereignty of Dharmapala. With the rise of Nagabhata II, son and successor of Bhatsaraja, started the second phase of tripartite struggle. Nagabhata II attacked the Kunnoch, and defeated the subordinate chief of Dharmapala, Chukraudha. This event raised fresh conflict between Pratihara king Nagabhata II, and Pala king Dharmapala. Subsequently Nagabhata defeated Dharmapala, in a battle near Munger. The Ras Thrakuta king Govinda III, son of Thruva appeared in the north, and inflicted a severe defeat on Nagabhata and Dharmapala. Like his father Govinda III, then returned to his kingdom in the south. Once again Dharmapala re-established his authority in North India. Dharmapala remained the dominated ruler in North India, till the end of his life. He passed his time in peace. Dharmapala's reign had a special significance in Bengal, because after the death of Shushankhot, disintegration of Bengal given rise to social-political anarchy. It was Dharmapala, who had restored the province from being completely shattered and disintegrated. Under him, Bengal enjoyed imperial status, which was unparalleled. Dharmapala had made his mark in the ancient history of India not only as a mighty conqueror, but also a great patron of art, architecture, and literature. Simultaneously, he was a great patron of Buddhism, and worked for the encouragement of Buddhism as his state religion. He founded the Vikram Shila Monastery, near Bagalpur in Bihar, and like Nalanda University, it also attracted students from all parts of India and Tibet. He also founded the Somapuri Monastery, and is also credited with the grant of 200 villages to Nalanda University.