Senas

West Bengal, a state is eastern India that is renowned for its quintessential Bengali culture and cuisine has plenty to be spoken of. The province was once upon a time ruled by several ancient dynasties of which the Senas or the Sens deserves special mention.

The state’s former history that recount the triumphs of a bygone era enrich the minds of the erudite.The rulers of the Sena dynasty spearheaded the administration of Bengal from 1097 to1225.A.D. The Sena rulers were a worthy successor of the Palas and their rule was a landmark of Bengal’s history. Vijayasena who founded the Sena dynasty is credited with the foresight and acumen of seizing the opportunity that presented itself during the revolt of the Samantachakra in Mahipala II’s reign.

Gradually, the Senas became dominant in the Western fringes of Bengal and set up their independent kingdom during Madanapala’s tenure. The talking point of the Sena rule was that for the first time in history, a single emperor ruled Bengal in its entirety. The Sena rulers originally hailed from Karnataka and were a mixed breed of Brahmanas and Kshtriyas, popularly known as the Brahma-Ksatriyas.

It is the descendents of the Sena monarch Samantasena who ruled over the territorial expanse of Bengal. His son Hemantasena, a feudal lord was accorded the honor of Maharajadhiraja and Rajaraksasudaksah for his ability to take care of the welfare of his people with ease. Vijayasena, who exploited the weak spots that marred the strength of the Pala kingdom and established the autonomous Sena rule within the state, succeeded Hemanatsena. His successor Vallalasena was responsible for the final blow to the glorious Pala Empire, which crumbled during his tenure. Vallalasena is also credited with the establishment of Kulisnism in Bengal. The reign of Lakshmanasena, a staunch believer of the Vaishnava teachings blossomed in cultural effervescence when several literary masterpieces were produced. Keshav Sena is said to be the last Sena ruler following which Muslim anarchy engulfed Bengal.