Gopala (Pala king)

8th century founder of Indian Pala Dynasty

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

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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]

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

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  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.