Relation between the Palas and Senas

Summary

This brief article discusses the historical relationship between the Pala and Sena dynasties of Bengal. It begins by addressing the chronologies of the two dynasties, noting that while the Palas ruled from the 8th to the 12th century and were patrons of Buddhism, the Senas emerged in the late 11th century and established a Hindu dynasty in the region. The article assesses the overlapping claims to territory and examines whether there was continuity between the Palas and Senas or a sharp break. Using evidence from inscriptions and the Deopara copperplate, the author points out that Vijayasena, a key figure of the Sena dynasty, appears as a younger contemporary of Pala monarch Rāmapāla and may have served as his samanta before establishing his own rule. The study discusses genealogical references suggesting that early Sena kings like Hemantasena and Vijayasena might have been subordinate chiefs under the Palas before asserting independence. It also considers narratives that the Sena ruler Vijayāsena aided Rāmapāla against local rebels and was rewarded with land, implying cooperation. The article analyses land grant charters that refer to the transfer of territories like Varendra from Palas to Senas. Despite shared cultural background and occasional collaboration, the author concludes that the transition from Pala to Sena rule involved both conflict and accommodation, as the Sena dynasty consolidated power by capitalising on Pala decline while claiming continuity with earlier rulers.