Gopala (Pala king)

Gopala I was the founder of the Pala Empire of Bengal , Indian subcontinent. He came to power around 750 CE in Gaur after being elected by a group of regional chieftains (leaders). Pala means "protector". The word Pala comes 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

  1. AM Chowdhury, Dynastic History of Bengal, Dhaka, 1967
  2. Bagchi, Jhunu (1993). The history and culture of the Pālas of Bengal and Bihar, cir. 750 A.D.-cir. 1200 A.D. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. ISBN 978-81-7017-301-4.
  3. The Early History of Bengal (PDF). Indian Research Institute. 1939. p. 36. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-03-29. Retrieved 2014-03-28.