Kamboja Dynasty of Bengal
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Kamboja was the ancient name of a country, and the Indo-Iranian Kshatriya tribe, the Kambojas, settled therein. The country is listed as one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas or great nations in ancient Buddhist texts, and was located in the Uttarapatha in extreme north-west of the Indian subcontinent, contiguous to the kingdom of Gandhara. It initially included the Pamirs, Badakshan, and territories as far as the Zeravshan valley in the doab of Oxus/Jaxartes. It approximated what is known today as the Galcha speaking region of Central Asia. Later, some sections of the trans-Hindu Kush Kambojas moved to southern side of the Hindukush and planted colonies in Kunar, Swat and as far as Rajauri in Kashmir. During second/first centuries BCE, many clans of the Kambojas entered India in alliance the with Sakas, Pahlavas, Yavanas and spread into Sindhu, Saurashtra, Malwa, Rajasthan, Punjab and Surasena. [1] [2] The Kamboh Darwaza in the city of Meerut is named after the Kambojas. An offshoot of these Kambojas moved eastwards and entered Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and in 10th century, they founded a large empire in north-west Bengal [3].
[edit] Ancient sources on Kamboja Rule in Bengal
There are several ancient inscriptions which attest Kamboja rule in Bengal and Bihar. The most important sources are:
[edit] Dinajpore Pillar Inscription
The Dinajpur Pillar Inscription makes mention of a certain Kamboja king called the Kambojanvaya Gaudapati (i.e lord of Gauda, born in Kamboja family). The Pillar Inscription was originally established in a Siva Temple which was built by Kambojanvaya Gaudapati in Gauda country. But during Muslim rule, the Pillar was brought to Bangar about 40 miles east of Gauda. During 18th century AD, the Pillar was further moved to Dinajpore by Maharaja Ram Nath and as a result, the inscription came to be known as Dinajpore Pillar Inscription.[4].
According Dr R. C. Majumdar, Kunjarghatavarsheyan was a personal name of Kambojanvaya Gaudapati, but that may also imply his epithet. The imperial title Gaudapati (Gaudeshawara) as testified by the Dinajpore Pillar Inscription is obviously his imperial title. Term Kambojanvaya implies that he belonged to the Kamboja lineage. The inscription further reveals that Kambojanvaya Gaudapati was a devotee of lord Siva. The date of this record has been shown to be 888 Saka, though this is sated to be doubtful (Dr R. C. Majimdar). Scholars state that the Dinajpore Pillar Inscription belongs to the second half of 10th c AD.[5].
[edit] Irda Copper Plate (Tamrapatra)
Irda Copper plate (Irda Tamarapatra) is another very important source on the Kamboja-Pala dynasty of Benga. The plate was discovered in 1931 from a landlord named Mrityunjaya Narayan Prahraj of Irda, District Balasor in Orissa. The Inscription was edited by Dr N. G. Majumdar and published with his comments in 1934 in the Epigraphia Indica. [6]. Irda Copper plate is written in Sanskrit tongue and has 49 lines of text written in ancient Bengali script. The Vamsa or the tribal identity of the rulers in the mentioned in the Irda Copper plate is specifically stated to be Kamboja-Vamsha-Tilaka (i.e beonging to Kamboja lineage) [7]. Like the Dinajpore Pillar Inscriptions, the Irda Copper plate is also thought to belong to the second half of 10th c AD (Dr N. G. Majumdar, Dr R. C. Majumdar). Hence the scholar community believes that the Kambojanvaya Gaudapati of Dinajpore Pillar Inscriptions and the Kambojavamshatilaka Paramasaugata Maharajadhiraja parameshvara paramabhattAraka Rajyapala of Kamboja-Pala dynasty of Irda Copper plate Inscriptions refers to the same Kamboja family. But whereas the Dinajpur Pillar inscriptions refers just to one Kamboja ruler epithetted as Kambojanvaya Gaudapati, the Irda Copper plate, on the other hand, mentions generation after generation of the Kamboja-Pala kings of Bengal i.e Rajyapala, Narayanapala and Nayapala etc. The Kamboja-Pala kings of Irda Copper plate had ruled north-west Bengal in 10/11th c [8].
[edit] Bangar Grant of Mahipala I
Bangar Charter [9] of Mahipala I is the third very important ancient source of Kamboja rule in Bengal. The charter asserts that Mahipala had re-conquered nearly the whole of north and east Bengal “after defeating the usurpers who had seized his ancestral kingdom”[10]. The same verse has been reapeated in the Aamgaachhi Charter of Vigrahapala-3. But “Who were the usurpers the inscription does not tell, but other evidences indicate that the rulers belonging to the Kamboja family were in possession of the north and west Bengal” [11]. Scholars believe that Mahipala’s Charter alludes to the seizing of the northern parts of Bengal by Kamboja dynasty from the Gopala II or Vigrahapala II of the Pala dynasty, which the great king Mahipala I claims to have won back by the force of his arms[12]
[edit] Extent of Kamboja Empire
No definite information is available on the precise geographical area of the Kamboja-Pala kingdom of Bengal. According to Irda Copper plate evidence, the Kamboja-Pala kingdom definitely comprised Varadhmana-Bhukti Mandala (modern Burdman division) and Dandabhukti Mandala within the Kamboja empire. The Dandabhukti division is believed to have comprised southern and south-western parts of district Midnapore as well as the lower parts of river Suvaranrekha in district Balasore. Evidence from Dinajpore Pillar Inscription attests that the Gauda country also formed parts of Kamboja-Pala kingdom. But as long as we do not include northern Rad, the region does not constitute one viable politicall entity. Hence it appears likely that northern parts of Rad may also formed parts of Kamboja-Pala kingdom. During second half of the 10th century, Chandella king Yashovarman invaded the Palas and the Kambojas and he claims to have conquered Gauda and Mithila.[13]. It is also stated that Chandela chief Dhanga of Jejabhukti, the successor of Yashovarman, had invaded Rad towards the end of 10th century AD. As a consequence, the Kamboja power in the north Bengal received a severe jolt. [14] This political scenario enabled the Pala king Mahipala I to re-conquer Gauda from the Kambojas[15]. The last king of the Kambojas was Dharamapala who continued to rule Dandabhukti in the first quarter of 11th century AD [16]. The Capital of the Kamboja Pala kingdom is stated to be Pryangu which has not been identified yet [17], though some scholars tend to identify the same with an old village known as Pingvani located in Garvet Thana [18].
[edit] Known Kamboja Kings of Bengal
We know the names of three Kamboja rulers of the Kamboja Pala family for sure viz. Rajyapala, Narayanapala and Nayapala. The Charter (Copper Plate Inscription) was issued by Kamboja king Nayapala wherein he and his father are given the imperial titles like Parameshevara, Paramabhattacharya and Maharajadhiraja. The Copper Plate Inscription also attests that the founder of the Kamboja Pala dynasty was king Rajyapala. He has been referred to as Kambojavamshatilaka Paramasaugata Maharajadhiraja parameshvara paramabhattAraka-Rajyapala. This proves that this line of kings belonged to the Kamboja lineage. The second king is Narayanapala who was son of Rajayapala. Narayanapala was succeeded by his younger brother Nayapala, the author of the Irda Copper plate. Dr R. C. Majumdar states that the expression Kunjarghatavarshan of the Dinajpore Pillar Inscription indicates that Kunjarghatavarshan was personal name of Kambojanvaya Gaudapati of the Dinajpore Pillar Inscription. If this is so, then this Kambojanvaya Gaudapati is the fourth known Kamboja king of Kamboja dynasty of Bengal. Some scholars however believe that the Kambojanvaya Gaudapati of the Dinajpore Pillar Inscriptions is same as Kambojavamshatilaka Rajyapala of the Irda Copper plate. This does not seem to be true since Rajyapala of the Irda Copper plate is described as devotee of Buddha (Parama-saugata) where as Kambojanvaya Gaudapati of Dinajpore Pillar Inscriptions claims in his own inscription to be a Siva devotee. It may however be possible that Kambojanvaya Gaudapati is same as Kamboja king Nayapala of the Irda Copper plate since king Nayapala also claims to be a Saivite (Siva devotee) in the Irda Copper plate. The last known ruler of the Kamboja Pala dynasty is stated to be king Dharamapala who ruled in Dandabhukti in first quarter of 11th century AD. [19]
[edit] Origin and Identity of the Kamboja Rulers of Bengal
There have been differing views on the identity of the Kambojas. Some scholars insist that the Kambojas rulers of Bengal were in fact the Kochs It has been suggested that, philologically the term 'Kocha' is derived from Kamboja (Kamboja =>Kambocha =>Kamwocha =>Kamvoca =>Kocha).[20]. Based on this assumption, earlier scholars like Dr S. K. Chatterjee, Dr R. P. Chanda, Dr P. C. Bagchi etc think that the Kambojas of Bengal belonged to the Mongolian race of Himalaya. It has been suggested that Kambojanvaya Gaudapati of Dinajpore Pillar Inscriptions was a Mongol chief from Tibet, Bhutan or or some other Himalaya region who invaded north Bengal with his Mongol army and wrested Gauda from the Palas. It is also pointed that the modern Koch, Mech and Palia of North Bengal have descended from Kambojanvaya Gaudapati and his Mongolian army. [21]. Dr Benjamin Walker states that north-west Kambojas find numerous references in ancient Sanskrit and Pali texts and the Kambojas of Bengal are just an offshoot from them who had migrated eastwards along the Himalayan foothills to Bengal. Dr Benjamin further identifies these Kambojas as of Perso-Mongolian stock, speaking a dialect midway between Avestic and Vedic [22]. Dr B. R. Chattetjee supposes that the Kambojas of Bengal came from Cambodia. [23]. As against above hypotheses, there are other scholars who identify the Kambojas of Bengal from Aryan Stock and a branch from the well known north-west Kambojas.
The first ever reference to Kambojas in relation to Palas in the history of Bengal is noticed from the Inscriptions of Pala king Devapala (810 AD-850 AD). The Monghyr inscription of Devapala attests that he had Kamboja horses in his cavalry who were pleased to meet their beloved (Kamboja mares) when the great king came into clash with the Kambojas (Kambojesu cha yasya vajiyuvabhi....Kantashichran vikshitah, verse 11, Monghyr Inscriptions) [24]. There is reference to king Devapala having invaded Gurjaras, Hunas and the Kambojas. [25]. This reference sufficiently proves that the Pala rulers were in direct interaction and intercourse with the north-western Kambojas and also procured their war horses from them. This evidence verifies that both these people had been well-exposed to each other. Evidence also exists that the Malavas, Hunas, Khasas Kulikas, Kambojas, Karanatas etc were recruited in the army of the Palas (Dr R. C. Majumdar). Thus, the Kambojas who had wrested parts of north and west Bengal from Palas were, in all probability, an offshoot from these north-west Kambojas.
It is known fact of history that the Kambojas of Uttarapatha have been interacting with various nations of Indian subcontinent since remote antiquity. Horse dealers from Kamboja, Gandhara and Kashmira of Uttarapatha brought horses[26] to such cities as Benares [27] and further beyond, following the well known Uttarapatha route running from Bahlika/Kamboja to Pataliputra/Tamraliptika. There is also a Puranic reference that the an excellent breed of Kamboja horses in the cavalry of king of Kamarupa/Pragjyotisha (Assam) [28]. The horse dealers from Kamboja are known to have been trading horses as far as Mysore, Pandya, and Sri Lanka.
There is yet another powerful piece of evidence. The Irda Copper plate of king Nayapala of Kamboja dynasty attests that the army of the Kambojas rulers of Bengal was organized into military corporations or sanghas (Sainik-sanghas) [29]:
- Senapatishcha saha Sainik-sangha-mukhya
- (Irda Copper plate)
It is amazing that the military corporations/sanghas of the ancient Kambojas of the north-west also find reference in Kautiliya’s Arthashastra (verses 11.1.1-4):
- Kambhojasourashtra-kashatriya-shrenadhyo vartashastr-opajivini
- (Kautiliya’s Arathshastra: 11.1.4)
i.e. “Corporations of warriors” of the Kambojas, Saurashtera and some other countries live by trade, agriculture and by wielding weapons.
This powerful evidence on the military sanghas or corporations of the Kamboja rulers of Bengal is important and revealing. It demonstrates that the Kamboja dynasty of Bengal was established by an Aryan Kamboja intruders from north-west since it is the north-west Kambojas whose military sanghas are attested in ancient Sanskrit texts. It is amazing to note that even after an elapse of about 13 long centuries, the Kambojas still continued to maintain their ancient military traditions of organizing their army into sanghas or corporations which the Irda Copper plate amply evidences [30]
In the caste classification of ancient Bengal, the Kambojas find reference along with Sakas, Hunas, Yavanas, Abhiras, Khasas, Sabaras, Turushakas, Suhmas in Bangla society etc but are classified as Mlechchas or foreigners, outside the caste system of Bengal. This association of the Kambojas with the allied tribes like north-western Sakas, Yavanas, Abhiras, Hunas, Khasas, Turushakas etc also demonstrates that the Kamboja rulers of Bengal were from north-western Kambojas who belonged to Indo-Iranian and not to Mongolian stock.
The foregoing discussion rules out the possibility that the Kamboja rulers of north and west Bengal were of Mongolian stock and hence the ancestors of the Kochs.
There are scholars like R. C. Majumdar, Dr R. D. Banerjee, Dr. H. C. Raychaudhury, Dr H. C. Ray, Dr B. C. Sen, Dr Debala Mitra, Dr N. G. Majumdar, Dr J. L. Kamboj and numerous others who maintain that the Kambojas of Bengal were a scion from the North-western Kambojas of the Aryan stock.[31].
[edit] Pala Dynasty vs Kamboja-Pala Dynasty
Curiously, there are several similarities between the Kamboja Pala ruling family and the Pala ruling family of Bengal.
- The names like Rajyapala, Narayanapala and Nayapala of Irda Copper plate are also found in the genealogies of the Pala dynasty of Bengal,
- The Kamboja king Rajyapala Irda Copper plate and his counterpart king Rajyapala II of the Pala dynasty belong to the same era and time frame,
- King Rajyapala of the Irda Copper plate and king Rajyapala-II of the Pala dynasty assumed exactly similar imperial titles i.e. Parmeshevara, Paramabhattacharya and Maharajadhiraja,
- King Rajyapala of the Irda Copper plate and Rajyapala-II of the Pala dynasty have assumed exactly similar religious epithets i.e Paramasaugata (devotee of the Buddha),
- The queen of king Rajyapala of Irda Copper plate is named named Bhagyadevi which is also the case with Pala king Rajyapala’s queen,
- Both the Kamboja kings of Irda Copper plate as well as the Pala kings use 'Pala' as the last part in their names,
- Both the Kamboja kings of Irda Copper plate and the Pala kings of the Pala dynasty are known to have similar religious beliefs,
- The script and language of Irda Copper plate and that of Dinajpur Pillar inscriptions belonging to the Kamboja dynasty is identical to that of numerous charters of the kings of the Pala dynasty.
Based on these startling similarities, some scholars have gone to the extent of stating that the Pala dynasty and the Kamboja-Pala Dynasty of Irda Copper plate & Dinajpore Pillar Inscription is one and the same dynasty. But if this is really so, then the inescapable conclusion which must follow is that the unified Kamboja/Pala dynasty of Bengal must belong to the Kamboja lineage [32] [33].
It is curious to note that whereas the identity of the Kamboja rulers of Bengal has been referred to twice and is related to the Kamboja ethnicity, that of the Palas has nowhere been specifically stated in any of the Pala traditions in numerous of their Grants, Charters and Inscriptions (Dr D. C. Sircar). Ramachrita of Sandhyakar Nandi attests that the Palas were born in Samudrakula (ocean-lineage?), but it is not clear what this expression really means. The Kamauli Grant of king Vaidyadeva of Kamarupa (Assam) indisputably connects the Palas to Surya lineage (Mihirasya vamsa) [34].
Now since Mihira means Sun or Sun worshipper, the expression Mihirasya implies connected with or relating to the Sun or Sun Worship (Sanskrit Mitra, Persian Mithira == > Mihira = Sun). According to Bhavishya Purana, the Mihira lineage originated from the union of Nishkubha, daughter of Rsi Rijihva and the Sun (Mihira) (Dr D. R. Bhandarkar, Dr Buddha Parkash). From this wedlock was born a sage called Zarashata, who apparently is Zoroaster of the Iranian traditions. Mihirasya Vamsa means Mihira Vamsa which is also found written as Mihirkula i.e lineage of the Sun-worshippers. The reference to Mihirasya vamsa as being the lineage of the Palas of Bengal as attested independently by the Kamauli Grant of king Vaidyadeva of Assam holds a probable clue that the Palas may have come from the Sun-Worshipping lineage i.e Iranian or Zoroastrian line of the Kambojas. [35] [36] It is also curious to note that one section of scholars like Dr N. G. Majumdar (the main editor of the Irda Copper plate) and few others who initially thought that the Pala and the Kambboja Pala dynasties were two separate dynasties, had later on modified their views in the light of new discovery which demonstrated that king Rajyapala-II of the Pala dynasty, like king Rajyapala of the Irda Copper plate, has also adopted the religious epithet of Parama-saugata (devoted Buddhist) as well as the imperial title of Maharajadhiraja [37]. Hence, the probabilities of the two dynasties being one have now tremendously increased, therefore also dispelling the earlier views on the origin of the Pala kings of Bengal (Dr N. G. Majumdar). Dr H. C. Ray has advised a policy of 'wait' till the discovery of more powerful evidence which may finally unify the two dynasties and connect them to the Kamboja lineage [38].
Dr R. C. Majumdar says that if we identify Rajyapala of Irda Copper plate with Rajyapala of Pala dynasty, then we must also accept that after Rajyapla, the Pala empire had bifurcated into two parts[39]. But Dr R. C. Majumdar further writes that though the view of uniting the two dynasties is based on sound logic, still more conclusive evidence is needed to unify the two dynasties.[40]
In spite of the same, the probabilities of unification of two dynasties and their connection to Kamboja lineage seem to have tremendously increased though.
[edit] New Possible Interpretation of Dinajpore Inscription
The Rajyapala of Irda Copper plate has been referred to as Kambojavamshatilaka (i.e belonging to the Kamboja lineane). If he and Rajyapala II of the Pala dynasty is one historical personage, then one shall have accept that the Palas dynasty originated from the Kambojas. The only other source referring to the Kamboja rulers in Bengal is the Dinajpore Pillar Inscription which refers to a ruler Kambojanvaya Gaudapati and its date has been fixed to later half of 10th century. Up till recently, the scholars believed that the Kambojas could not have won Gauda without defeating the Palas of Bengal hence it was assumed that Kambojanvaya Gaudapati came as some foreign invader from the northern hills and wrested north and western Bengal from the Paslas. If it is proved that the Palas and the Kambojas are one people, the Dinajpore Pillar shall have to be interpreted differently i.e . if the Palas and Kambojas are unified, then Kambojanvaya Gaudapati of the Dinajpore Pillar inscription shall have to be accepted as a representative of the Palas, and there shall be no need to assert that the Kambojas came as foreign invaders from the northern hills and wrested the Gauda from the Palas. The only basis of the so-called usurpation of Bengal by the Kambojas is the vague statement of king Mahpala I, the author of Bangar Grant [41] which asserts that Mahipala had re-conquered nearly the whole of north and east Bengal “after defeating the usurpers who had seized his ancestral kingdom”[42] but “Who were the usurpers the inscription does not tell but other evidences indicate that the rulers belonging to the Kamboja family were in possession of the north and west Bengal.[43]. Scholars have only speculated that Mahipala’s Charter alludes to 'seizing of the northern parts of Bengal from the Gopala II or Vigrahapala II by the Kambojas', which the great king claims to have won back by the force of his arms[44]. If the two dynasties are united, then this may mean that Rajyapala II had three sons: Gopala II, Narayanpala and Nayapala. Gopala II inherited Magadha and northern Bengal while Narayanapala got rest of the empire including western Bengal. Narayanapala was thus rival and competitor of Gopala. Narayanapala was succeeded by his younger brother Nayapala. These two sons of Rajayapala, in all probability, were the usurpers of the ancestral land of Mahipala I, the grand son of Gopala II. This may be the reason as to why these two kings do not find any mention in the main genealogy of the Palas which was continued by Mahipala I onwards. It is also interesting to note that the genealogy of rulers mentioned in the Irda Copper plate of king Nayapala does not go beyond Rajyapala. [45] [46].
[edit] Religion of Kamboja rulers of Bengal
The Kambojanvaya Gaudapati of Dinajpore Pillar Inscriptions is stated to be a builder of Siva temple and therefore was devotee of Siva. He is said to be a great bestower of the charities. Kambojavamsatilaka Rajayapala, the first king of the Irda Copper plate is referred to as Parama-saugata (devotee of Buddha). The third ruler Narayanapala Kamboja is stated to be a devotee of god Vishnu. King Nayapala Kamboja, the author of Irda Copper plate is known to have practiced Siva cult. There is no information on the Kamboja ruler Dharamapala, but it appears likely that he may have also been a Vedic follower i.e. either Saivite or a Vishnu devotee. The Irda Copper plate has references to Hindu gods, high rising temple buildings as well as to the sacred smokes rising from the Yagya fires into the skies. This again alludes to the Hinduism of the Pala Kambojas. Irda Copper plate also makes special references to the Purohits, Kritivajyas, Dharmagyas and other holy officials. Thus we find that the Kamboja kings of Bengal were mostly Vedic Hindus, of course, with the exception of king Rajyapala. Mention is made of grants of lands and villages to the Purohits in the Burdwan district of east Bengal. According to Prof R. C. Majumdar: “More significant, however, is the inclusion of Purohits in the land grants of the Kamboja, Varman and Sena kings of Bengal. It indicates the great importance was attached to religious and social aspects of administration during rules of these dynasties which were all followers of orthodox Hinduism.” (History of Bengal, Vol I., p 281, Dr R. C. Majumdar</ref> Dr B. N. Sen says that the Buddhism which had follwers in the early Pala and Candra rulers was probably on the decline in Bengal during 10th c AD. On the other hand, the Vedic religion was on the rise. Since the Kamboja Pala kings of Bengal were mostly Vedic Hindus, hence they must have got full support from their subject which must have helped them raise a powerful empire in Bengal. [47]
[edit] Kambojas in Caste System of Bengal
In the ancient caste classification in Bengal, there are references to people who came as invaders from northwest or accompanied the invaders. These people have been described as Mlechchas in the brahmanical Caste System in Bengal. Ancient Sanskrit and Pali texts and inscriptions profusely attest the Kambojas as a Mlechcha tribe of Uttarapatha or Udichya division belonging to Indo-Iranian or Scytho-Aryan and not to the Mongolian stock. The north-westerners including the Kambojas, Sakas, Hunas, Yavanas, Abhiras, Khasas, Sabaras, Turushakas, Suhmas etc have all been labelled as outsiders, foreigners or Mlechchas within the Bengali society and therefore were left outside the Caste Classification of ancient Bengal. [1] Compare also: Part-II: VI. Ancient peoples of Bengal: [2] [48].
[edit] Evidence on Later Kamboja Rulers in Bengal
There is a literary evidence which attests one Kamboja king known as Jagan Nath ruling in Bengal as late as that 16th century AD. King Jagan Nath is stated to have patronized a Brahmana scholar Sura Mishra who had composed Jagannathaprakasa, a Smriti Granth in honor of this Kamboja king:
- Ashesh.Kambojakula.vatansah Shri Jagana Natha iti parsidhah
- Akaryad dharmanibandhmaytam dhradhipaiapayairkablai nreshe [49]
This shows that the Kamboja rule in some parts of Bengal must have continued, as late as 16th century AD.
[edit] Opinions of Some Scholars
Dr V. A. Smith:
- “During the later part of tenth century, the rule of Palas was interrupted by the intrusion of hillmen known as Kambojas, who set up one of their chief as the king. His rule is commemorated by an inscribed pillar at Dinajpore created apparently in AD 966” [50]
Dr Benjamin Walker:
- “A branch of Kambojas seem to have migrated eastwards along the Himalayan foothills, hence their notices in the Tibetan and Nepali chronicles. Later, they entered the Gangetic plains and by nine century AD came into conflict with the Palas of Bengal. In the 10th c, the Pala rule in Bengal was terminated by Kambojas who had set up one of their chiefs as king. The Kamboja rule in Bengal lasted until they were deposed by resurgent Palas in 980 AD. The descendants of Kambojas are still found in Northern Bengal [51]
Dr P. C. Baghci:
- “The Kambojas, a nomadic tribe, lived beyond Himalayas in Central Asia. Long ago, their one branch had entered India and got fully integrated into the local population. It appears that other branches same people had entered eastern Tibet and the Mekong valley. This assumption alone can explain par-excellence as to why the Mekong Valley was named Kambuja. We can also find the relics of their name in the Khambas province of Tibet. It is very probable that it were the Kambojas from the Khamba province of Tibet who had invaded Bengal and Assam in the succeeding centuries…” [52]
Dr B. C. Law:
- “In 9th c AD, the Kambojas are said to have been defeated by Devapala, the great king of the Pala dynasty of Bengal [53]. But during latter part of 10th c , the tables were turned and the rule of Palas kings was interrupted by the Kambojas, who had set up one of their chiefs as a king. In a certain place called Vanagarh in Dinajpore, mention is made of a certain king of Gauda, born in Kamboja family. It is probable that during the reign of Devapaladeva, the Kambojas first attempted to conquer Gauda, but were, at that time defeated.[54]. Dr. R. R. Chanda supposes that in the middle of 10th c AD, the Kambojas of Himalayas again attacked North-Bengal and took away north-east Bengal from them. The present inhabitants of North Bengal viz Koch, Mech and Palia were descended from them [55]. The Kamboja rule in Bengal was terminated by Mahapala I, the 9th king of Pala line, who is known to have been reigning in AD 1026 and may be assumed to have regained his ancestral throne from Kambojas at about 980 AD” . [56]
Hasna Jasimuddin Mouddud:
- "After Devapala's death, the decline of the Pala dynasty in North India was rapid. Northern Bengal was first invaded and annexed by the king of Pratihara, Mahendrapala, sometime before 898 AD and later northern and western Bengal were annexed by the Kambojas, a powerful hill tribe from the north or the east India” [57]
R. R. Diwarkar:
- “In course of his military campaign, Pala king Devapala is said to have reached Kamboja. The Kambojas of ancient India are known to have been living in north-west, but in this period, they are known to have been living in the north-east India also, and very probably, it was meant Tibet. Thus Devapala might have come into conflict with Tibet, there is nothing surprising in this because Tibetan sources claim that their kings Khri-Srong-Ide-Btson and his son Mu-Tag-Btsan-Po subdued India and forced Dharamapala to submit. Devapala may have also clashed with them and defeated them”[58]
Alternative View (in line with view of R. R. Diwarkar)
- A branch of the Pamirian Kambojas seems to have migrated eastwards towards Tibet hence their notice in the chronicles of Tibet (Kam-po-tsa, Kam-po-ce, Kam-po-ji) and Nepal (Kambojadesa) [59]. Burmese chronicles refer to it as Kampuchih. The Pamirian Kambojas may have receded to Tibet in wake of the Kushana (1st century) or Huna (5th century) pressure. Later the same Kamboja branch appears to have moved towards Assam from where they may have invaded Bengal during the bad days of the Palas and wrested north Bengal. Fifth century AD Brahma Purana mentions Kambojas around Pragjyotisha and Tamraliptika [60]. Buddhist text Sasanavamsa [61] also attests the Kambojas in/around Assam. These Kambojas had made first bid to conquer Bengal during the reign of king Devapala (810 AD-850 AD) but were repulsed. A latter attempt was crowned with success when they were able to deprive the Palas of the suzerainty over North and West Bengal and set up a Kamboja dynasty in Bengal towards the middle of 10th century AD.
A Short History of Bengal
- “On the other hand, they may be the Kambojas from north west India from where the Pala used to get their horses, the Tibetans, or the Koca tribe (the related tribe Mleca may be the origin of the term Mleccha). There is also a south Indian reference to a Kamboja king gifting a stone to Rajendra Cola for the Nataraja temple. Other references to Kambojas abound in the ancient literature, and this may have been just the expansion of an Indo-European tribe with both Persian and Indic affinity from their homeland in the Afghanistan-Turkistan (Some relate their name to Cambyses of the Achaemenian empire of early 6th cent BC) region along the foothills of the Himalayas towards Bengal, along the coast to Gujarat, to Ceylon, and maybe to Cambodia. Extracted from: ”[3]
Dr Debala Mitra:
- “A section of the Kambojas, originally living on the north-western frontier of India, most probably in Afghanistan, and belonging to the Parasaka vanna, according to the Buddhaghosa, came and permanently settled in different parts of India. They lent their name to some of the localities occupied by them. A few of the families went to the extent of carving out principalities like the one temporarily eclipsing the fortunes of the Palas of eastern India (Bengal) in the tenth century A.D. …..”[62].
Dr A. D. Pusalkar:
- “It is held by some scholars that the Kambojas were a hill tribe from tribe from Tibet or other regions who had conquered Bengal. But it is more likely that some high official of the Palas belonging to the Kamboja family or tribe took advantage of the weakeness of the Pala kings and set up an independent kingdom”. [63]
Dr R. C. Majumdar:
- “The Palas employed mercenaries forces, and certainly recruited horses from Kamboja tribe [64]. N. G. Majumdar has very rightly observed that if horses could be brought into Bengal from north-western frontiers of India during Pala period, it is not not unreasonable to suppose that for trade and other purposes, some adventurers could also have found their way into that province” [65]. Mercenary soldiers (speciality cavalry) might have been recruited from Kambojas and some of them might have been influential chiefs. It has been suggested that the Kambojas might have come to Bengal with the Pratiharas when the latter conquered part of this province Indian.[66] [67] [68] [69].
Airavat Singh
- “Devpala in the 9th Century repeated his father’s feat by leading an army into the Punjab region and further north into the lands of Kamboja (near the Indus). But no territory was gained in this campaign—even the neighboring kingdoms of Kamarupa (Assam) and Utkala (Orissa) were only compelled to render tribute. The two successors of Devapala were more religious-minded and in that period the Pratihars annexed both Magadha and Varendri (Bengal) while Kamarupa and Utkala also resumed independence. To make matters worse feudatories of the Palas also carved out their own states like the Chandras of East Bengal and the Kambojas of Radha—the latter are believed to be descendants of the Kamboja officers and men that had joined the army of Devapala during his campaign in their country near the Indus....”[70]. [4]
Dr. H. C. Ray:
- Dr. H. C. Ray writes that Kamboja rulers of Bengal came from Punjab with Gurjara Pratiharas. The Kambojas had joined the forces of Gurjara Pratiharas and there were separate regiments of the Kambojas in the Pratihara army which were entrusted with the defense of north-eastern borders of the Pratihara empire. The Kambojas did not leave the province after the collapse of Pratihara power. They rather took advantage of the weakness of the Pala kings and set up an independent kingdom which was not a difficult task for them [71] Dr H. C. Ray also writes: “I must also admit however, that the Kambojas of Bengal may also have come from north-west as mercenaries and then formed into an independent army under a Kamboja chief by successful rebellion” [72]
Dr H. Chander Raychaudhury:
- Dr Hem Chander Raychaudhury also states that the Kambojas came to Bengal with the armies of the Gurjara Pratiharas[73]
Nagendra Nath Vasu"
Dr Jogindra Ghosh:
- Dr Jogindra Ghosh also says that the Kamboja rulers of Bengal had come from the Kambey in Gujarat, but curiously he connects the Kamboja rulers of Bengal with the Pratiharas of Gujarat.[75]
Dr J. L. Kamboj:
- According to Dr J. L. Kamboj, during second/first centuries BCE, many clans of the Kambojas entered India in alliance the with Sakas, Pahlavas, Yavanas and spread into Sindhu, Saurashtra, Malwa, Rajasthan, Punjab and Surasena [76]. The Kamboh Darwaza in the city of Meerut is named after the Kambojas. An offshoot of these Kambojas moved eastwards and entered Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and in 10th century, they founded a large empire in north-west Bengal [77].
Dr B. R. Chattetjee:
- Interestingly, Dr B. R. Chattetjee supposes that the Kambojas who founded the Kamboja empire in Bengal may have come from the Kambuja of Indo China [78].
[edit] References
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, people and the Country, 1981, pp 296-309, 310, Dr J. L. Kamboj; The Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, pp 158-162, 168-69, S Kirpal Singh
- ^ cf: “Along with Sakas, numerous tribes of Kambojas had crossed Hindukush and spread into whole of north India especially into Punjab and Uttar Pradesh etc. Mahabharata (12.102.5) specifically attests that Kambojas and Yavanas conquered Mathura country. The Kambojas also find mention in the Mathura Lion Capitol Inscriptions issued by Saka Mahakshatrapa Rajuvala” (India And The world 1964 p 154 by Dr Buddha Parkash).
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 311, Dr J. L. Kamboj
- ^
- Durvararivaruthini.paramthaney danai cha vidhyadhraih (1)
- Sanandamdiviyasaya maragangunahgram graho gyatai (2)
- Kambojanvaya Gaudapatina natenendu moleryam (3)
- Parsado nirmaya kunjarghattavarsheynh bhubhushanh.”(4)
- (Wording of Dinajpore Pillar Inscriptions)
- TRANSLATION:
- ^ History and Culture of Indian People, The Age of Imperial Kanauj, p 54, 1964, Dr. R. C. Majumdar and Dr A. D. Pusalkar
- ^ Epigraphia Indica, XXII, 1933-34, pp 150-158, Dr N. G. Majumdar
- ^ Kambojavamshatilaka Paramasaugata Maharajadhiraja parameshvara paramabhattAraka Rajyapala
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 315, Dr J. L Kamboj; Ancient India, 1956, p 382-83, Dr R. K. Mukerjee, The Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, p 208-210, S Kirpal Singh
- ^ Inscription No 5
- ^
- hataskalavipashah sangre bahudarppad
- anudhikrit vilupatan rayamasadhya pitram
- nihitcharanpadamo bhubhutan murdhin tasmad
- abhavadvanipalah shrimahipaladehah || 11 ||
- (verse 11, Inscription No 5
- ^ History and Culture of Indian People, The Age of Imperial Kanauj, p 55, Dr A. D. Pusalkar, Dr R. C. Majumdar; The struggle for Empire, p 24, Dr A. D. Pusalkar, Dr R. C. Majumdar
- ^ See: Candellas of Jejakbhukti, 2003, p 48, R.K. Dikshit; Ancient India, 2003, p 651, Dr V. D. Mahajan; History of Bengal, I, 133; Dr R. C. Majumdar, The Dynastic History of Northern India, II, 676, Dr H. C. Ray; Some Historical Aspects of the Inscriptions of Bengal, p 399, Dr B. C. Sen; Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 312, Dr J. L. Kamboj; Bengal: Past and Present, P 77, by Calcutta Historical Society; Islam in Bangladesh, 1992, p 6, U A B Razia Akt Banu.
- ^ History and Culture of Indian People, Age of Imperial Kanauj, p 85, Dr A. D. Pusalkar, Dr R. C. Majumdar
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 315, Dr J. L. Kamboj
- ^ Ancient India, 2003, p 651, Dr V. D. Mahajan
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, Peoole and the Country, 1981, p 315-16, Dr J. L. Kamboj; Decline of the Kingdom of Magadha, p 413, B. P. Sinha; Some Historical Aspects of the Inscriptions of Bengal, p 379-80, B. C. Sen etc
- ^ Journal of Asiatic Society of Bengal, VII, 619; History and Culture of Indian People, The Age of Imperial Kanauj, p 54, 1964, Dr. R. C. Majumdar and Dr A. D. Pusalkar
- ^ Epigraphia Indiaca, Vol XXIV, p 46,Dr J. C. Ghosh; quoted by Dr J. L. Kamboj in Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country. 1981, p 334.
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, pp 318, 316 etc; History and Culture of Indian People, The Age of Imperial Kanauj, p 54, 1964, Dr. R. C. Majumdar and Dr A. D. Pusalkar; Decline of the Kingdom of Magadha, p 413, B. P. Sinha; Some Historical Aspects of the Inscriptions of Bengal, p 379-80, B. C. Sen
- ^ cf: History of the Origin and Development of Bengali Language, p 69, S. K. Chatterjee; Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Bengal, (N.S) Vol VII, p 619, Dr R. P. Chanda; For exhaustive treatment see: Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 325, Dr J. L. Kamboj
- ^ See refs in: Vangar Itihaasa, p 205, Dr B. D. Banerjee
- ^ See: Hindu World Vol I, p 520, Benjamin Walker
- ^ Indian Cultural Influence in Cambodia, pp 278-79, Dr B. R. Chatterjee
- ^ see: Epigraphia Indica, Vol XVII., p 305
- ^ Ancient India, 2003, p 650, Dr V. D. Mahajan; History and Culture of Indian People, The Age of Imperial Kanauj, p 50, Dr R. C. Majumdar, Dr A. D. Pusalkar
- ^ See, e.g., Vinaya Pitaka, ed. Oldenberg (Williams and Norgate). Vol III.6; Samantapásádiká, (P.T.B.).. Vol I.175
- ^ Játaka, ed. Fausboll.II.287
- ^ Vishnu Purana, p 460, H. H. Wilson; Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland – 1834, p 434, Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland; History of the Koch Kingdom, C. 1515-1615 – 1989, pe 8, D. Nath – History.
- ^ The Military History of Bengal - 1977, p 47, P. Sensarma.
- ^ See further reference: Some Historical Aspects of the Inscriptions of Bengal, Dr B. C. Sen, p 537; Ancient Kamboja, People & the Country, 1981, p 339;The Military History of Bengal - 1977, p 47, P. Sensarma.
- ^ Dacca University Studies, Vol I, No 2, 1938, p 123; Indian Historical Quarterly, XV-4, December 1939, p 511, Vanger Jatya Itihaasa, (Bangla), Rajya Kanda, Nagendra Nath etc
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, pp 317-18, Dr J. L. Kamboj
- ^ The Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, p 213, S Kirpal Singh. This conclusion is so simple since the ethnicity of the rulers of Irda Copper plate as well as the one in the Dinajpore Pillar Inscripptions is unequivocally stated as Kamboja while that of the so-called dynasty has no where been specified in any of their own numerous inscriptions
- ^ Epigraphia Indica, XXIV, p 43, Dr N. G. Majumdar; Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 316, Dr J. L. Kamboj
- ^ Bryant cites Hesychius (6th century CE): "MiqraV o hlioV para PersaiV" ("Mithras, the sun of Persia") and "MiqrhV o protoV en PersaiV QeoV" ("Mithres, the first god in Persia."). Hesychius thus confirms not only the solar nature but also the /Persian/ origin of Mithra, still known in his day
- ^ The priests of Mithra, and of Iranian Sun and Fire worship in general, were the Magi or Magas. The Magas entered India on a number of occasions over a period of centuries, prior to and during the common era. At this point, Indian Sun worship became increasingly formalized, with elaborate rituals, temples and images sprouting up and from the 6th century CE onward, royal names began to have "Mihira" (Mithra) in them after a millennium of integration (or reintegration) into Indian culture.
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 316-17; Dr J. L. Kamboj; See also the Quotation of Dr H. C. Ray, Indian Historical Quarterly, XV-4, Dec 1939, p 110, fn 11, quoted by Dr J. L. Kamboja in his Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 323
- ^ Indian Historical Quarterly, XV-4, Dec 1939, p 110, fn 11, Dr H. C. Ray
- ^ The History of Bengal, Vol I, p 127 Dr R. C. Majumdar
- ^ The History of Bengal, Vol I, p 190 Dr R. C. Majumdar; cf: Dacca University Studies, Vol I, No 2, p 131; ff
- ^ Inscription No 5
- ^ Anudhikrit vilupatan Rayamasadhya pitram……..verse 11, Inscription No 5
- ^ History and Culture of Indian People, The Age of Imperial Kanauj, p 55, Dr A. D. Pusalkar, Dr R. C. Majumdar; The struggle for Empire, p 24, Dr A. D. Pusalkar, Dr R. C. Majumdar
- ^ See: Ancient India, 2003, p 651, Dr V. D. Mahajan; History of Bengal, I, 133; Dr R. C. Majumdar, The Dynastic History of Northern India, II, 676, Dr H. C. Ray; Some Historical Aspects of the Inscriptions of Bengal, p 399, Dr B. C. Sen; Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 318-19, Dr J. L. Kamboj
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 317-18, Dr J. L. Kamboj
- ^ Dr D. C. Sircar also favors unification of the two dynasties. He also suggests that Narayanapala of the Irda Copper plate was a brother of Gopala II, the inheritor to the throne after Rajyapala. He was therefore a rival and competitor of Gopala. Narayanapala had carved out a principality for himself out of the kingdom of Gopala (referenced by Dr J. L. Kamboj in his above cited book)
- ^ Some Historical Aspects of the Inscriptions of Bengal, p 378-79, B. C. Sen
- ^ The Author, Annapurna Chattopadhyaya, is probably not right here to include the Kambojas among the Extraneous Tribal Communities from North-east. Rather, they should have been included among the Tribal Communities from North-west which group comprises the Sakas, Yavanas, Hunas, Khasas, Abhiras, Turukshakas with whom the Kambojas are always found associated in numerous ancient Sanskrit texts. Doubtless, the Kambojas belong to the Uttarapatha as Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas and other ancient texts abundantly show. See Kamboja Location
- ^ (Notices of Sanskrit MSS., Vol V, No 1790;, R. L. Mitra, Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, p 208, Dr J. L. Kamboj )
- ^ Early History of India, 1967, Dr V. A. Smith
- ^ Hindu World Vol I, p 520 by Benjamin Walker).
- ^ India & Central Asia, p 117, Dr P. C. Bagchi)
- ^ Dr. R. D. Bannerjee, Vengalar Itihaasa, p 182
- ^ Dr. R. D. Bannerjee, Vengalar Itihaasa, p 184
- ^ Refs about Dr. R. P. Chanda appears in: Vangar Itihaasa, p 205, Dr R. D. Banerjee
- ^ Some Kshatrya Tribes of Ancient India, 1924, p 251, Dr B. C. Law)
- ^ South Asia: Eastern Himalya Culture, Ecology and People: Ancient Heritage and Future Prospects, Hasna Jasimuddin Mouddud
- ^ Bihar Through the Ages, G. Ed. R. R. Diwarkar, 1958, p 312).
- ^ "The view that Nepali Traditions apply name Kamboja Desha to Tibet is based on the statement made by Foucher, [Iconographie bouddhique pp 134-135] on the authority of Nepali Pandit of B.H Hdgson. But it is supported by two manuscripts [No 7768 & 7777] described in the Catalogue of Sanskrit and Prakrit Mss in the library of India Office Vol II, Part II". [Dr R. C. majumdar, History of Bebgal, I, 191, Dist Gazeteer [Rajashahi], 1915, p 26; Some Historical Aspects of the Inscriptions of Bengal, Dr B. C. Sen, p 342, fn 1]
- ^ Brahama Purana 53/16; See also: The Indian Historical Quarterly, Vol.VI, No.1, 1930.03 pp. 98-99 fn-2, Dr P.C. BAGCH; A Critical Study of the Geographical Data in the Early Puranas, p 168, Dr M. R. Singh; Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 310, 328, Dr J. L. Kamboj; New light on History of Bengal, Indian Historical Quarterly, Vol. XV-4, 1939, p. 511; The Dynastic History of Northern India, I, p 309 by Dr. H. C. Ray; History and Culture of Indian People, Imperial Kanauj, p 323, Dr A. D. Pusalkar, Dr R. C. Majumdar etc etc.
- ^ Sasanavamsa (Pali Text Series), pp 64-65, 83 etc
- ^ Cultural Heritage of India, by Dr Debala Mitra, p 625
- ^ History and Culture of Indian People, The Age of Imperial Kanauj, p 54
- ^ Inscription B.8, V.13
- ^ Epigraphia Indica, XXII, 153
- ^ Historical Quarterly XV. 511; Dynatic History of Northern India, Vol I p 311
- ^ History of Bengal, 1971, pp 182-82, Dr R. C. Majumdar
- ^ The Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, p 228, fn 83
- ^ The Dacca University Studies, Vol I., No 2, April 1936, p 132 Dr R.C. Majumdar
- ^ Military History & Fiction (Bihar, Nepal, and Orissa), Airavat Singh.
- ^ Indian Historical Quarterly, XV-4, Dec 1939, p 511
- ^ Indian Historical Quarterly, XV-4, Dec, 1939, p 511 Dr H. C. Ray.
- ^ The Dynastic History of Northern India, p 311, f.n. 1.
- ^ Vanger Jatya Itihasa (Bangla), Rajyakanda, Nagendra Nath Vasu
- ^ Epigraphia Indica, XXVI., p 45-46.
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, people and the Country, 1981, pp 296-309, 310, Dr J. L. Kamboj; The Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, pp 158-162, 168-69, S Kirpal Singh
- ^ Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 311, Dr J. L. Kamboj.
- ^ Indian Cultural Influence in Cambodia, pp 278-79, Dr B. R. Chatterjee
[edit] Books and Megazines
- The History and Culture of Indian People, The Classical Age, Dr R. C. Majumdar, Dr A. D. Pusalkar
- The History and Culture of Indian People, The Age of Imperial Kanauja, Dr R. C. Majumdar, Dr A. D. Pusalkar
- The History and Culture of Indian People, The Struggle For Empire, Dr R. C. Majumdar, Dr A. D. Pusalkar
- Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, Dr J. L. Kamboj
- The Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, S Kirpal Singh
- These Kamboja People, 1979, Kirpal Singh Dardi
- The Rise and Decline of Buddhism in India, 1995, (The Kamboja-Pala Dynasty (c. AD 911-92), Chapter 9), Kanai Lal Hazra.
- The People and Culture of Bengal: A Study in Origins, Volume 1— Part 1 & 2, 2002, Annapurna Chattopadhyaya.
- Kamboj Itihaas, (Punjabi), 1972, H. S. Thind
- Ancient India, 2003, Dr V. D. Mahajan
- A Critical Study of The Geographical Data in the Early Purana, 1972, Dr M. R. Singh
- History of Bengal, Part I, 1971, Dr R. C. Majumdar
- Some Historical Aspects of the Inscriptions of Bengal, 1962, B. C. Sen
- The Dynastic History of Northern India, II, Dr H. C. Ray
- Some Kshatria Tribes of Ancient India, 1924, Dr B. C. Law
- Candelas of Jejabhukti, R. K. Dikshit
- Hindu World, Vol I, 1968, Benjamin Walker
- Jataka, 1957, Fausboll
- District Gazeteer, Rajashahi,1915
- India and Central Asia, 1956, Dr P. C. Bagchi
- History of the Origin and Development of the Bengali Language, 1926, Dr S. K. Chatterjee
- Early History of India, 1957, Dr V. A. Smith
- Decline of the Kingdom of Magadha, 1953, B. P. Sinha
- Dacca University Studies, Vol I, No 2
- Bharatvarsha, 1344 (Bangala Samvata)
- Library of India Office, Vol II, Part II
- Modern Review, 1937, N. G. Majumdar
- Epigraphia Indica, Vol V, XII, XXII, XXIV
- Indian Historical Quarterly, Vol XV-4, 1939
- Bihar Through the Ages, 1958, Ed, R. R. Diwarkar
- Journal of Proceedings of Royal Society of Bengal (NS), Vol VII
