INTRODUCTION

Though Pal Art finds its origin in Maurya and Gupta period, the further development and continuity was seen during the rule of Pal Dynasty.

NOMENCLATURE

Pal Dynasty basically ruled in Bihar and Bengal from 8th century till 12th century. During this, the art of Maurya and Gupta period was glorified much under the several rulers of Pal kings. Thus the name PAL ART was given.

COMPRISES OF

Pal Art is not just about the painting but the architecture, sculpture, terracottas, painting, wall paintings etc.

PAL PAINTING

Painting that developed during Pal rulers were
  1. MANUSCRIPTS      2. WALL PAINTINGS
MANUSCRIPTS, AS YOU KNOW ARE WRITTEN ON PALM LEAVES. MANUSCRIPTS PAINTINGS showed scenes of life of Buddha and several god and goddess of MAHAYANA sect. Also VAJRAYANA sect was shown. TANTRICISM was also visible. Some of exemplary manuscripts can be found at Nalanda, Odantapuri, Vikramshila, Somapura. Painted manuscripts are present in Cambridge University too. Famous painters are DHIMAN and VITPALA.

WALL PAINTINGS were well decorated and elegant. This can be found in Nalanda. In these painting, geo metric shapes, animal and humans pictures can be found. Elephant, horses , bodhisattvas can be seen. Also it had some Ajanta and Bagh painting effect.

Following are the characteristics features of Pal Painting:-
  1. Lines are very delicate, curved and distressed.
  2. These are elegant and stylish.
  3. Paintings are well decorated.
  4. Colors used are subdued.
  5. The style is natural, resembling to ideal sculpture (bronze and stone)
  6. Eastern India effects are dominant.
  7. Primarily red, blue, black colours are used. In addition to it, green, purple, light pink and grey are also used.

TERRACOTTA

Pal period showed quite beautiful and attractive terracotta hat were generally used for decoration purpose.
Following are characteristic features:-
  1. It depicted normal lifestyle and religious aspects
  2. It also showed Buddha life and stages. E.g Vikramshila, Mahavihara.
  3. Terracotta plaques were of unique Bengali style. These had religious subject and normal daily activities, beautifully shown on plaques. E.g. Pahar plaques.

ARCHITECTURE

Architecture of Pal Dynasty includes temples, chaityas. Stupas, Mahaviharas, forts, etc.
The architecture were religious dominated by both Buddhist and Hindu Art During Pal rule, Nalanda, Vikramshila, Somapura, Devikota, Pandita Mahaviharas were constructed as monks residence. Odantapuri Mahavihara was exemplary and served for modelling monastery outside India too(Tibet). Also Somapura Mahavihara influenced many architects internationally.
IMAGE SOURCE; WIKIPEDIA


TEMPLES

Temples were basically tall, curvy, sloppy expressing eastern Indian style. Shikhara of temple was covered by Amalaka. Stone pillars were black, grey basaltic, chlorite, etc.
Some magnificent temples of this period are SIDDHESHVARA MAHADEVA TEMPLE (Burdwan district), Shiva temple in Gaya district, Purulia district. Rock art cave temple of Pala period are coated in Gaya( Vishnupad Temple), Suraj, kahalgaon (Bhagalpur)

SCULPTURE

Sculptures of Pala periods were so exquisite that they grow to high level and thus classifies as new school called PALA SCHOOL OF SCULPTURAL ART.
Characteristics features of Pala Sculpture:-
  1. It had eastern India or Bengali essence.
  2. These were continued till 12th century.
  3. Sculpture were influenced by Tantricism.
  4. Sculpture were decorated extremely.
  5. Usage of stones and bronzes were seen.  eg NALANDA, BIHARSARIF, RAJGIR, BODHGAYA  sites.
  6. Sculpture were inspired by Buddhism. Also Hindu gods and goddess were made especially Shiva, Ganesh and Vishnu).
BRONZE SCULPTURE can be found from Nalanda and Kukrihar (Gaya). Bronze casting were important features of pala rule largest of Bronze idols are at Sultanganj.
 Pala style is unique as the figures are slim, graceful. These are heavier also. Sculpture were of same size almost. Free flowing movement were quite prominent.

DECLINE

Advent of Muslim Invaders was reason for declination of Pala art. They came and destroyed many monasteries and killed artist. Some artist fled outside and developed this art internationally.


IMAGE SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA