Religious Patronage in the Land Grant Charters of Early Bengal (Fifth–Thirteenth Century)

Abstract

Copper plate charters are one of the most important sources for the study of religious patronage. A study of the charters of a region within a given period helps us to understand the pattern of patronage to religious donees by its rulers and subordinates. This might lead us to interesting and illuminating findings not to be obtained from other categories of evidence. As for example, the Pālas, at least the early Pāla rulers like Gopāla I, Dharmapāla and Devapāla are known in Tibetan tradition as great patrons of Buddhism and actively extended patronage to the Nalandā monastery, apart from building other monasteries like the Somapura, Vikramśīlā, etc. Besides, their dharmacakra seal also speak of the same thought. But if we study their land donations, quite a different pattern of patronage is revealed. The present article attempts to study the nature of patronage to religious recipients in Bengal from the very beginning of religious grants, that is, the fifth century and up to the thirteenth century. The aim is to understand differences in the attitude of the donors in different parts of the study area and to explain the factors behind it.