Part of a series on the
History of Kamarupa
Ruling dynasties
Varman dynasty (350–650 CE) Pushyavarman 350–374 Samudravarman 374–398 Balavarman 398–422 Kalyanavarman 422–446 Ganapativarman 446–470 Mahendravarman 470–494 Narayanavarman 494–518 Bhutivarman 518–542 Chandramukhavarman 542–566 Sthitavarman 566–590 Susthitavarman 590–595 Supratisthitavarman 595–600 Bhaskaravarman 600–650 Avantivarman Unknown
Mlechchha dynasty (650–900 CE) Salasthamba 650–670 Vigrahastambha 670–680 Palaka 680–695 Kumara 695–710 Vajra 710–725 Harshavarman 725–745 Balavarman II 745–760 Salambha 795–815 Harjjaravarman 815–832 Vanamalavarman 832–855 Jayamala 855–860 Balavarman III 860–880 Tyagasimha 890–900
Pala Dynasty (900–1100 CE) Brahma Pala 900–920 Ratna Pala 920–960 Indra Pala 960–990 Go Pala 990–1015 Harsha Pala 1015–1035 Dharma Pala 1035–1060 Jaya Pala 1075–1100

Part of a series on the
History of Assam
Proto-historic Pragjyotisha Kingdom Danava Dynasty Bhauma Dynasty Sonitpura Kingdom
Medieval Kamarupa Kingdom Varman Dynasty Davaka Dynasty Mlechchha Dynasty Pala Dynasty
Late Medieval Chutia Kingdom Dimasa Kingdom Kamata Kingdom Ahom Kingdom Koch Kingdom Baro-Bhuyan Moamoria rebellion
Modern Colonial Assam Assam Province
Contemporary Assam Movement
Sources Kamarupa inscriptions Buranji
Categories
Architecture Palaces Forts

Kamarupa – Late to end period was a period of Kamarupa kingdom from founding of Pala Dynasty by Brahma Pala to last ruler of dynasty Jaya Pala.

Foundation of Pala Dynasty

Brahma Pala became the ruler of Kamarupa when Tyaga Singha of Mlechha dynasty died heirless to succeed him the people elected Brahma Pala to be their king. The ruler was legitimized with the claim that Brahma Pala was a descendant of the Varman dynasty and that he was elected by the people. He married Kula Devi by whom he had it son named Ratna Pala. It is not known whether Brahma Pala had a long reign like his son but it appears that when Ratna Pala grew up Brahma Pala abdicated in his favour.^[1]

Outside invasions

During Brahma Pala's reign Kamarupa was attacked by Jatavarman, son of Vajravarman of the Varman dynasty which ruled probably in Eastern Magadha when the Pala power began to wane. This invasion is mentioned in the Belava copper-plate inscription of Bhojavarman,^[1] the grandson of Jatavarman, who thereby granted lands in the Paundra bhukti, the grant being issued from the victorious camp at Vikramapura. It is stated in verse 8 of this inscription that It appears that Jatavarman invaded Kamarupa and defeated its king but could not annex the kingdom. It is probable that after this defeat Brahma Pala abdicated in favour of his son Ratna Pala who appears to have removed the capital to Guwahati, on the banks of the Brahmaputra, and, after fortifying it, called it Durjaya or impregnable.

Capital

Ratna Pala fortified the capital city called it Sri-Durjaya.

There are two copper-plate inscriptions of Ratna Pala, known as the Bargaon and the Sualkuchi grants.^[2]

Line of Kings

9th-10th century lion-sculpture representing powerful Kamarupa-Palas, Madan Kamdev, Baihata Chariali, Assam

See also

• Varman Dynasty

References

Further reading