Somapura Mahavihara

c. mid-8th century

Foundation of the Pala Dynasty

Bengal's transition into a major imperial phase.

The Pala dynasty emerged in the mid-8th century, with Gopala's rise during a period of political disorder. Under Dharmapala and Devapala, the dynasty expanded significantly and made Bengal a central actor in wider South Asian politics.

8th century

Construction of Somapura Mahavihara

Paharpur as a major Buddhist monastic center.

Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur emerged in the 8th century as one of the largest monasteries south of the Himalayas and an important intellectual center in pre-Islamic Bengal.