Sena dynasty

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The medieval Sena dynasty (approx. 1070–1230) followed the Pala dynasty in large parts of Bengal . The capital was initially Nabadwip ; later the seat of government was relocated about 200 km (as the crow flies) further north to Gaur - both cities are located on today's eastern border between the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh .

history

The sources of the Sena dynasty are extremely sparse - their origin from the southwest Indian Chalukya empire is attested in inscriptions, but is not undisputed among historians. The founder of the dynasty is Samantasena, who is said to have settled in Bengal at the end of the 11th century; his son Hemantasena is referred to in an inscription as Maharajadhiraja , but he too was probably only a vassal of the Pala. Only with Vijayasena can one speak of an independently ruling Sena prince. King Lakshmanasena was expelled from Bengal around 1203 by the Muslim general and usurper Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji ; he died in exile. Since Muhammad Khalji himself was murdered in 1206, Keshavasena and Vishvarupasena continued to rule for a few years.

Ruler

  • Samanta Sena (approx. 1070-1095)
  • Hemanta Sena (c. 1095-1096)
  • Vijaya Sena (approx. 1096–1159)
  • Vallala Sena (approx. 1159–1179)
  • Lakshmana Sena (approx. 1179–1204)
  • Keshava Sena approx. (Approx. 1204–1225)
  • Vishvarupa Sena (approx. 1225-1230)

In addition, Surya Sena, Narayana Sena and Lakshmana Sena II are mentioned.

Arts and Culture

The Senas were followers of Hinduism ; under them ended the leading role of Buddhism in Bengal. The only building that can be traced back to the Sena dynasty is the Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka (Bangladesh) , which was later changed again and again . Evidence from the field of visual art (statues, paintings) is not known, but some of the late-dated Pala sculptures could just as easily be attributed to the Sena. Court literature flourished under King Lakshmanasena.

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