Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the Dharmapala:

1. He revived the Nalanda University and set up a new Vikramshila University.
2. He was the founder of Pala dynasty in Eastern India.
3. In the tripartite struggle, he managed to take control of Kannauj for some time.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 1 and 3
Notes: Tibetan chronicles, although written in the 17th century, provide us information about the Pala rulers. According to these, the Pala rulers were great patrons of Buddhist learning and religion. The Nalanda University which had been famous all over the eastern world was revived by Dharmapala and 200 villages were set apart for meeting its expenses. He also founded the Vikramshila University in Magadha region on the bank of Ganga River on top of a hill. So, statement 1 is correct. The Pala Empire was founded by Gopala, probably in 750 CE. He was elected king by the notable men of the area to end the anarchy prevailing there. Gopala's father was probably a soldier. Dharmapala was the son of Gopala. So, statement 2 is incorrect. Dharmapala of Pala dynasty ruled between 770-810 CE. His reign was marked by the tripartite struggle between the Palas, the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas. Due to the defeat of Pratiharas at the hands of Rashtrakutas, Dharmapala could occupy Kannauj, where he held a grand durbar which was attended by vassal rulers from Punjab, Eastern Rajasthan, etc. So, statement 3 is correct.