Pala Dynasty Sculpture

The Pala Dynasty (8th–12th century) produced some of the finest sculpture in eastern India, particularly in the regions of present-day Bihar and Bengal. Working in copper alloy and stone, artists created Buddhist and Hindu images distinguished by balanced compositions and finely carved detail. The four sculptures presented here demonstrate the variety of subjects, materials, and scale found within the Pala sculptural tradition. Together, they illustrate an artistic tradition that shaped Buddhist sculpture across eastern India and influenced artists throughout the Himalayan world.

Artworks-Items

Head of the Buddha with tightly curled hair, elongated earlobes, and downcast eyes. Copper alloy, Pala Dynasty, 10th–11th century, Bihar, northeastern India.

Head of Buddha

Northeastern India, Bihar Pala Dynasty, 10th/11th century Copper alloy Height: 5¾ in. (14.6 cm.)

Sakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment

Northeastern India, Bihar Pala Dynasty, late 10th/11th century Gray stone Height: 19¼ in. (48.9 cm)

The central image depicts the Buddha seated beneath the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya at the moment of his victory over Mara,

Scenes from the Life of Buddha

Northeastern India, Bihar Pala Dynasty, 11th/12th century Sedimentary stone Height: 7 1/8 in. (18.2 cm.)

Bhairava

Eastern India, Bengal region Pala Dynasty, 12th century Chlorite Height: 37¾ in. (95.9 cm)