Devapala's Conflict with Tibetans

Devapala's Conflict with Tibetans was an conflict fought between the Devapala of Pala Empire against the Tibetan Empire. In this conflict Devapala of Pala Empire came into Conflict with the tibetans like his father Dharmapala.[1][2]

Devapala's Conflict with Tibetans
Location
Result Pala Empire victory
Territorial
changes
  • Devapala conquers all of the Himalayas from the Tibetans.
  • Establishment of the Pala dynasty of Nepal.[3]
Belligerents
Pala Empire Tibetan Empire
Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Devapala Khri-srong-lda-btsan
Mu-teg-btsan-po (Ralpacan)
Nagabhatta II

Background

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During the period when Dharmapala's reign was ending and Devapala's reign was beginning, the Pratihāra ruler Nagabhatta attacked the Palas and the Tibetan Empire was allied with the Pratihāras in their attack on the Palas. The Tibetans, led by Mu-tig Btsan-po, claims to have defeated Dharmapala, while his successor Ralpacan claims that they had successfully subdued Gangāsāgara. These events took place near the end of Dharmapala's rule and the start of Devapala's reign.[4][5] Devapala also engaged in conflict with the Tibetan kings like his father Dharmapala.[1][2]

Conflicts

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Devapala successfully expelled the Pratiharas from the western regions of Bihar, as evidenced by his grants issued in the Patna region (known as Srinagara bhukti) and in the Gaya regions (Gaya district).[4][5]

The Emperors of Tibet, Khri-srong-lda-btsan (Trisong Detsen) and his son, Mu-teg-btsan-po (Ralpacan), who claimed to have conquered India and made Dharmapāla submit, fought against Devapala, the son of Dharmapala. In this battle, the Tibetan Emperors were defeated by Devapala.[1][2] An inscription belonging to Devapāla states that he freed all of the Himalayas from Tibetan rule. According to Chinese historical records, Tibetan control over the Himalayas was lost during Devapāla's reign, from 839 to 848 AD.[6]

Aftermath

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Devapala's conquest of the Himalayas is confirmed by the Dullu inscription of King Prithvimalla, which mentions fifteen Pala rulers ruling over Nepal. The first Pala king, Adipala, started a new lineage of rulership, continuing for sixteen generations.[7]

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sinha, Bindeshwari Prasad (1974). Comprehensive History Of Bihar Vol.1; Pt.2. pp. 252–253.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Diwakar, R. R. (1958). Bihar through the ages. p. 312.
  3. Dip Arch, M.A. The Ancient and Medieval History of Western Nepal (PDF). Archaeological Survey of India. p. 60.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Sircar, Dineschandra (1985). Kanyakubja Gauda Struggle Dinesh Chandra Sircar Asiatic Society. Asiatic Society. pp. 53–54.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Laha, Gopal (2017). "Revised Genealogy, Chronology & Regnal Years of the Kings of the Pala Dynasty in the Light of the Latest Discoveries, Decipherment and Presentation (750-1200 A.d)". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 78: 253–259. ISSN 2249-1937.
  6. Ancient Nepal (in Nepali). The Department of Archaeology Number 176. 2005. p. 16.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  7. Dip Arch, M.A. The Ancient and Medieval History of Western Nepal (PDF). Archaeological Survey of India. pp. 56–57.