Lama Taranatha’s Account of Bengal

Summary

This article summarises Taranatha's account of the Candra dynasty in Bengal. It analyses the reliability of Taranatha's narratives and cross-checks with other sources. It describes the early kings Vrksacandra, Vigamacandra, Kamacandra, Simhacandra, Balacandra, Vimalacandra, Govicandra, Lalitacandra, and the election of Gopala. It notes that the story of a demoness killing elected kings and the people's election of Gopala is considered mythical but has a historical basis because the region experienced anarchy and the people likely elected a ruler to restore order. The article emphasises that Taranatha's account is valuable as it preserves names and events otherwise lost and provides insights into the political geography of Bengal. It discusses the extent of Bhangala, the names of provinces, and the interplay between local dynasties and the imperial regimes of Sri-Harsa and the Palas. It also critiques scholars like Blumchen and Shahidullah who dismiss Taranatha's references to a city of Bengal. The author summarises the story of the goddess Cunda guiding a Kshatriya youth to become king, the demoness killing kings each night, and the eventual selection of Gopala. It emphasises that despite mythic elements, the narrative points to a period of statelessness and subsequent establishment of the Pala dynasty. The article uses Taranatha's account to reconstruct a chronology of the early kings of eastern Bengal and cross-references with Tibetan and Muslim sources. The author argues that Taranatha's narrative, though sometimes inaccurate, contributes to our understanding of Bengal's history in the early medieval period. It also addresses differing interpretations by previous historians and emphasises the need to critically examine all available sources.