Gopala (Pala king)
Gopala I was the founder of the Pala Empire of Bengal, India. He came to power in around 750 CE in Gaur after being elected by a group of regional chieftains (leaders). Pala means "protector" (in Sanskrit). The word ‘Pala’ comes as a suffix in every Pala ruler's name.
Family
The name of Gopala's father is Vapyata. His grandfather is Dayitavishnu.[1] The Khalimpur copper plate of Gopala's son Dharmapala refers Vapyata as "killer of enemies". It also describes Dayitavishnu as Sarva-vidyavadata ("all-knowing" in the meaning of "highly educated").[2]
Reign
According to Manjusrimulakalpa, Gopala died at the age of 80, after a reign of 27 years.[3]Not much is known about his life or military career. But at the time of his death, he left a large empire to his son Dharmapala.
Reference
- ↑ AM Chowdhury, Dynastic History of Bengal, Dhaka, 1967
- ↑ Bagchi, Jhunu. The history and culture of the Pālas of Bengal and Bihar, cir. 750 A.D.-cir. 1200 A.D. (1993). New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. ISBN 978-81-7017-301-4.
- ↑ The Early History of Bengal (1939)Indian Research Institute. p. 36. Retrieved 2014-03-28.