The Palas, who ruled in the eastern region of India during the 8th-12th centuries CE, were the patrons of which religion ?

The correct answer is Buddhism.

Key Points

• The Palas were known for their strong patronage of Mahayana Buddhism during their rule in the eastern regions of India.
• Dharmapala, one of the most notable Pala rulers, founded the Vikramashila University, which was a significant center for Buddhist learning.
• The Pala period saw the construction and support of numerous Buddhist monasteries and centers of learning, including the famous Nalanda University.
• The Palas played a crucial role in the revival and spread of Buddhism in India and neighboring regions like Tibet and Southeast Asia.

Additional Information

• Vikramashila University:
  • Founded by Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century.
  • It was one of the largest Buddhist universities with more than one hundred teachers and about one thousand students.
  • Specialized in various fields of learning, including philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and more.
• Nalanda University:
  • One of the oldest universities in the world, dating back to the 5th century CE.
  • Flourished under the patronage of the Gupta Empire and later the Palas.
  • Renowned for its extensive library and attracted students from various countries.
• Mahayana Buddhism:
  • A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of a Bodhisattva.
  • Popular during the Pala period and saw significant philosophical and doctrinal developments.
  • Spread to various parts of Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet.
• Pala Dynasty:
  • Ruled from the 8th to the 12th century CE in the regions of Bengal and Bihar.
  • Known for their contributions to art, culture, and religion, particularly Buddhism.
  • Their reign is often considered a period of cultural and intellectual renaissance in eastern India.