Medieval Indian History

Pala Dynasty

Gopala (765-769 A.D.)

  • Founder of Pala Dynasty and he also restored order.
  • Ruled over Northern and Eastern India.
  • He expanded the Pala dynasty and extended his power over Magadha.

Dharmapala (769-815 A.D.)

  • He is the son of Gopala and succeeded his father.
  • He brought Bengal, Bihar, and Kanauj under his control.
  • He defeated the Pratiharas and became the master of Northern India.
  • He was a steadfast Buddhist and founded the famous Vikramasila University and several monasteries.
  • He also restored the Nalanda University.

Devapala (815-855 A.D.)

  • Devapala is the son of Dharmapala who succeeded his father.
  • He kept the Pala territories intact.
  • He captured Assam and Orissa.

Mahipala (998-1038 A.D.)

  • The Palas became powerful during his reign.
  • The Pala dynasty declined after the death of Mahipala.

Govinda Pala

  • He is the last Pala King.

Tripartite Struggle for Kanauj


The Tripartite Struggle for Kanauj was between the Pratiharas of Central India, the Palas of Bengal and the Rashtrakutas of Deccan, as all these three dynasties wanted to establish their supremacy over Kanauj and the fertile Gangetic Valley. The Tripartite Struggle lasted for 200 years and weakened all of them which enabled the Turks to overthrow them.