Who was the founder of Pala dynasty in Bihar and Bengal ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

The Pala dynasty emerged in the mid-8th century CE, specifically around 750 AD, establishing a powerful and long-lasting empire that dominated the regions of Bengal and Bihar for nearly four centuries. This era followed a period of political anarchy and internal strife known as the *Matsya Nyaya* (rule of the fish, where the strong prey on the weak) in the region after the decline of the Gauda kingdom. To end this chaos and restore order, the local chieftains and common people collectively elected **Gopala** as their ruler. Therefore, Gopala is formally recognized as the founder and the first king of the Pala dynasty. His rise marked the transition from an unstable regional power to a centralized, well-governed state, which actively patronized Buddhism and established renowned centers of learning like the Odantapuri monastery in Bihar.

The incorrect option is 1 (Dharmapala):
Dharmapala was the son and successor of Gopala. He is considered the greatest ruler of the Pala dynasty, as he significantly expanded the empire's territory, notably engaging in the Tripartite Struggle for control over Kanauj and establishing the famous Vikramshila university. However, he was the consolidator and expander, not the founder.

The incorrect option is 2 (Shripala):
Shripala is not a widely recognized major ruler in the chronological list of the principal Pala kings. The dynasty features many rulers, but Shripala did not play a founding or significant role comparable to Gopala or Dharmapala.

The incorrect option is 4 (Madanpala):
Madanpala was one of the later rulers of the Pala dynasty (c. 1144–1162 CE). By his time, the empire was already in severe decline due to internal conflicts and invasions by the Senas and other regional powers. He was one of the last kings before the eventual collapse of the Pala rule.