Early Medieval Period in Bihar

Pala Dynasty (750–1162 AD)

• Emerged after death of Shashanka; Bengal & Bihar were in anarchy.
• Followers of Mahayana & Tantric Buddhism.
• Gopala (750–770 AD) – Founder; elected by people (Khalimpur copper plate); established Odantapuri University; consolidated Bengal & Bihar.
• Dharmapala (770–810 AD) – Son of Gopala; expanded empire northwards; established Vikramshila University; supported Nalanda University; titled Uttarapatha Swami after capturing Kannauj.
• Devapala (810–850 AD) – Extended empire southwards; capital at Munger; patronized Hinduism; trade with Southeast Asia & China.
• Later Palas – Vigrahapala, Narayanpala, Rajyapala, Gopala II, Mahipala I (re-founder); fought Rajendra Chola I in 1023 AD; Rampala was last ruler.

Sena Dynasty

• Emerged after Pala decline; founded by Sumantsena.
• Successors: Vijayasena → Ballalsena →
• Ballalsena – Scholar, authored Danasagar & Advutsagar; initiated Kulinism (nobility of birth).
• Decline due to internal rebellions & Bakhtiyar Khalji’s invasion.
• Lakshamansena – Literary patron (Jayadev, Halayudha, Dhoyi); fled to Vikrampur, East Bengal.
  
  

Karnata Dynasty (1097–1324 AD)

• Founded by Nanyadeva in Mithila; patron of music; wrote treatise on ragas.
• Capitals: Simraungadh, Darbhanga, Kamladityya Sthan (Andhrathadi, Madhubani).
• Important rulers: Ganga Singh Deva, Narsingh Deva, Harisimhadeva.
• Harisimhadeva – Last ruler; promoted arts & literature; royal priest Jyotirishwar wrote Varna Ratnakar; initiated Panji Vyavastha & Panji Prabandha.
• Decline after Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s invasion; fled to Nepal → succeeded by Oiniwar dynasty.

Oiniwar Dynasty (1353–1526 AD)

• Ruled North Bihar (Mithila).
• Represented final phase before major Muslim influence in Bihar.