Devapala of Bengal
Devapala (rule 810 Ad - 850 AD) was a powerful king of Pala dynasty of Bengal. He was the third king in the line and had succeeded his father, king Dharamapala (ruled 770 - 810 AD). He had inherited a great empire built by his father but he also made his own contributions to it to expand its frontiers.
Though not much is known about the details of his military compaigns, but it has been pointed out that his military expeditions took him as far as Kamboja of Kabol valley in north-west India and to Vindhyas in the south. His Monghyr Charter [1] bears strong witness to his encounter with the Kambojas of Kabol valley which region has been known for its quality war horses since remote antiquity. The Monghyr Charter clearly attests that Devapala recruited his war horses from north-west Kamboja. It has also been pointed out that besides war horses, the Pala kings also recruited a speacialised Kamboja cavalry in their armed forces[2]. We are further told that Devapala collected tributes from nations of northern India upto as far as Vindhyas and from eastern ocean to western Ocean. Jayapala was the general of Devapala. He is said to have invaded king of Pragjyotisha (Assam) who submitted without giving him a fight. Then the great king proceeded against the Utkala whose ruler ran away from his capital. Thereafter, he proceeded against the Hunas located on southwest of Punjab and reduced their pride. From there, he proceeded to the Kambojas of the Trans Indus territory. It is not known if he fought with the Kambojas or not. Thereafter he reduced king Ramabhadra of the Pratiharas and later he defeated the Bhojas. It also believed that Devapala had vanquished the Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha. It is also stated that he humbled the rulers of Dravida too.
Devapala ruled for about 40 years and was succeeded by Vigrahapala.
Devapala was a Buddhist follower and is stated to have donated five villages to Buddhist monastries for the promotion of Buddhism. He is said to have got constructed many temples and monastries in Magadha.[3].
It is stated that the reigns of Dharmapala and Devapala contituted the most brilliant periopd of Bengal. UNdre Palas, Bengal played a very important role in Indian history.
References
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