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oppressions had been endured by the heretics like the Buddhists and the Nirgranthas (Jainas) during the reign of Śaśānka and during the evil days of "Matsyanyāya" or the great anarchy in Bengal.
JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XXXIX, NO. 3 JANUARY. 2005
But the scenerio changed with the establishment of the Pala dynasty in Bengal by Gopala who was chosen by the Prakriti or subjects (people) to put an end to the anarchy in Bengal.
Gopala was brave, considerate, sweet tounged as well as rational in outlook. He patronised all religions whether Brahmanical or nonBrahmanical.
Lāmā Tāranātha, in his "History of Buddhism in India" stated that Gopāla propitiated Devi-Chumda, a Buddhist Goddess and received an Ayudha (a wooden club) from her. Taranatha further related that god Khasarpana prophesied that Gopāla would find a Kingdom in the East. Inspired by the prophecy of god Khasarpana and armed with the wooden club (Ayudha) he proceeded from Pundravardhana to Bhaṁgala (East Bengal) where anarchy was reigning superme. Putting an end to the prevailing anarchy in Bhaṁgala, he sat upon the throne of the Kingdom with the acquiescence of the subjects.+
From the same "History" we also come to know that Gopala during the first term of his reign ruled over Bhamgala and in the later part of his rule he conquerred Magadha. But almost all modern historians of Bengal are of opinion that in between the conquests of Bhamgala and Magadha, Gopāla must have subdued the chieftains of other divisions of ancient Bengal Viz. Gauda, Pundra, Radha etc." In these kingdoms "Gopala established many monasteries and thus extensively served the "law"".
Lāmā Tāranātha is unequivocal in stating that Gopala was a Buddhist before his accession to the throne and throughout his life he had served the cause of the religion of the Buddha."
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Taranatha's History of Buddhism in India ed. D.P. Chattopadhyaya.
R. C. Majumder, History of Ancient Bengal.
Tāranātha's, "History of Buddhism in India" ed. D. P. Chattopadhyaya.
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