The Ancient Age (Part II)
The people of the Bengal became tired of the long condition in the country. They selected a heroic person by the name of Gopala. Pala Dynasty ruled Bengal and Bihar for about four centuries from the middle of the 8th century A.D. Founded by Gopala, the rule of dynasty underwent various vicissitudes and lasted for eighteen generations of kings. No other Dynasty ever ruled Bengal for such a long period.
After having restored peace, Gopala turned his attention to the extension of the kingdom. He brought almost all the regions of the north and eastern part of Bengal under his kingdom. Northeast Bengal remained out of Gopala's rule. Although some are of opinion that ruled for 27 years, some modern researchers belive that he ruled the country from 756 A.D to 781 A.D.
Glories of the Palas:
- Widespread extension
- Proper development of the field of administration
- Policy of public welfare
- Social peace
- Religious harmony and toleration
- The field of different arts
- Development of literature
The south east Bengal was independent most of the time during the time of the Palas. This region was in the 'Banga' Janapada of the ancient time. From the middle of the eighth century A.D many Dynasties ruled in the region.
The Kharga Dynasty: In the second half of the century, Magadha and Gaur came under the kings of the later Gupta Kings. At that time, the kings of the Kharga family founded an independent state in southeast Bengal. The capital of the Khargas was 'Karmanta Vasaka'. It is supposed that the ancient name of 'Bara Kamta' of Comilla was Karmanta Vasaka. The Khargas held away over the regions of Triura and Noakhali.
The Deva Dynasty: With the end of the rule of Khargas, in the beginning of the eighth century, in the same region rose the Deva Dynasty. There were many kings but three kings of this lineage have been found. They were Sri Shanti Deva, Sri Ananda Deva and Sri Bhaba Deva. The kings considered themselves very powerful. That is why they attached big titles, 'Parama Saugata, Parama Vattarka, Parameshwara, Maharajadhiraja etc. Their capital was in Deva Parata. It was near Mainamoti in Comilla. The kingdom of the Devas extended throughout the whole of the Samatata region. The Deva king Ananda Deva built a Bouddhist monastery by the 'Anada Vihara' in his capital. The Deva kings approximately from 740 A.D. to 800 A.D.
The Chandra Dynasty: The most powerful independent kingdom of South East Bengal was founded by the Chandra Dynasty. The kings of this family ruled for about one hundred and fifty years. The first powerful king of the Chandra Dynasty was king Troilakya Chandra. His title was Maharajadhiraja and the Main crntre of the Chandra Dynasty was the Lalmi Hills of Comilla. This hill was known as 'Rohitagiri' in the ancient age. The rule of the Chandras began with Purna Chandra, the grandfather of Troilakya Chandra. Later his father Subarna Chandra became the king.
