BST Chapter 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 Flashcards
Who was Shashanka and what did he do?
Shashanka was the first independent king of Ancient Bengal. Until he came to power, Bengal was ruled by distant empires such as the Mauryas and the Guptas. However, Shashanka was a local ruler who established the first kingdom of Bengal. He first established himself in Gauda (the north-western region of Bengal) and made Karnasuvarna (in present day Mushidabad, West Bengal) his capital
What was found in the area Shashanka made his capital?
- The site of Raja Karna’s Palace, in Murshidabad, was first excavated by the Calcutta University’s historians in 1962.
- Their findings consisted of a large Buddhist Vihara, identified as Raktamrittika Mahavihara (by the help of terracotta seals and other artefacts).
- This area had described by the Chinese Pilgrim Hiuen - Tsang in his ancient journals.
Where can Karnasuvarna be located (fairly accurately)
In the neighbourhood of the excavated site of Rajbaridanga
What is matsyansyayam
The period of about a hundred years - between the death of Shashanka and the rise of the Palas - was described as matsyanyayam, meaning complete lawnessness and disorder due to the absence of a strong ruling power (capable of enforcing law and order)
Gopala
- brought an end to matsyanyayam (the period of disorder) and established the Pala Dynasty.
- Ruled almost the whole area of north and west Bengal
- but south east bengal remained outside of his control
Dharmapala
- son and successor of Gopala
- considered to be the greatest ruler of Pala dynasty
- Consolidated his power in bengal and extended his kingdom (bengal and bihar to the central part of northern India
- is credited with the foundation of Vikramashila monastery (Buddhist) –> was one of the most imp. Buddhist seats of
- created Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur
- had Hindus in his kingdom as well. –>
- therefore to ensure that no one would rebel against him and end his rule, he followed a policy of religious tolerance. Treated different religions with equal respect. This is how everyone lived in peace and unity.
- Also engaged quite well in sea trade with the Arabs and Persians, and it flourished
- regarded himself as a great leader w/ army of 300,000 men (according to Hudud-ul-Alum /limits of the world- Persian book)
Names of the Arab geographers and merchants
Sulaiman, Ibn Khurdadhbeh, Idrisi, Masudi
Names of all monasteries set up during the Pala empire
Vikramashila, Somapura Mahavihara, Nalanda University, Salban Vihara
Who was Devapala and what did he do
Devapala had a long reign and proved to be a worthy successor of his father Dharmapala. Like his father, he made attempts to increase the influence of Bengal in the area of northern India. He was a great patron of his religion, Buddhism, and a sponsor of the famous Buddhist seat of learning at Nalanda. He also developed friendly relations with the rulers of other Buddhist kingdoms of Southeast Asia
What is the Adbhutasagara
It is a book written by both Vallala Sena and completed by Lakshmana Sena. The book is about a Sanskrit text on omens/warning signs and forecasts, their effects and means of prevention
What is the Danasagara
It is a book written by Vallala Sena, who was a scholar and renowned author. Danasagara is an extensive Sanskrit text about the merits of gifts.
What is the Gitagovinda
It is a work composed by the renowned poet named Jayadeva. This has been a religious book that developed the traditions on Hinduism. The song describes the relationship between Radha and Krishna
What is Sufism
Sufism is the 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 the soul. It was a peaceful movement that emphasised on the acceptance of reality and recognition of authority.
Briefly explain what Karnasuvarna was
It was the first capital of Bangladesh, established by Shashanka in present day Munshiganj
