BST 2.4 + Sufism Flashcards
Why was the Sena dynasty established?
The Sena dynasty was established in Bengal as the Pala dynasty’s power declined. The Senas originally belonged to the Karnataka region of South India. They patronized Brahmanical Hinduism, which included the caste system and Sanskrit literature. This was very different from the Pala policy of supporting religious, cultural and social diversity and harmony.
Who was Samanta Sena
He was the founder of the Sena dynasty and first settled in Radha on the banks of the Ganges. However, as he didn not actually establish a kingdom, he was regarded as the first ruler of the Sena dynasty
Who were Hemanta and Vijaya Sena
The honor of being the first ruler belongs to Hemanta Sena, who ruled as a feudal king under Ramapala. Vijaya Sena ruled as a feudal king under Ramapala at first. However, he gradually consolidated his position in Bengal and laid the foundation of the Senas’ independent rule.
Where was Vijaya Sena’s first and second capital
Vijayapura (Rajshahi) and Vikramapura (Munshiganj)
Who was Vallala Sena and what did he do? What did he introduce?
He played an important role in ending the Pala dynasty. He also founded the city of Nadia/Navadwip at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Jalangi rivers. He was a worshipper of Shiva like his father and built the Dhakeshwari temple. The name of Dhaka city may have come from this temple. He also introduced caste - based Hindu social order in his empire. However this upset the balance of society, which had previously been about social haemony and tolerance. This social change led to the migration of the buddhists to nearby countries like Nepal, Tibet and Myanmar
What else was Vallala Sena known for
He was a scholar and renowned author. He wrote the Danasagara, which is an extensive Sanskrit text about the merits of life and started writing the Adbhutasagra as well, which he could not complete. The Adhbhutasagara is an equally extensive text on omens/warning signs and forecasts, their effects and means of prevention.
What did Lakshmana Sena do
He had shown great skills as a warrior during his father’s reign. His capital was Nadia. The city Lakshamanavati was named after him as well. Lakshamana Sena was famous for his remarkable literary activities. He himself wrote many Sanskrit poems and completed the Adbhutasagara, started by his father. His court contained renowned poets like Jayadeva, the author of Gitagovinda.
What is the Gitagovinda
The Gitagovinda is a work composed by a renowned poet in the court of Lakshmana Sena, named Jayadeva. This has been a religious book that developed the traditions of Hinduism. The song describes the relationship between Radha and Krishna.
What is Sufism
It is a mystical belief that is mainly about the mental, spiritual and philosophical aspects of Islam. The essence of Sufism is to establish a direct relationship with Allah by purifying their soul. It was a peaceful movement which emphasised on the acceptance of their reality and recognition of authority. Sufism teaches monotheism (the belief in the oneness of Allah)
Who is Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji
He gained control of Nadia and forced Lakshamana Sena (who was the last king of the Sena dynasty) to flee Bengal by conquering this area. He was a native northern Afghan and belonged to the Khalji tribe of the Turks. He was also the first Muslim ruler of ancient Bengal
