Ratna Pala


Ratna Pala was the son of Brahma Pala in Pala Dynasty of Kamarupa Kingdom. His queen's name was Durlabha. He was succeeded by Indra Pala.
The Gachtal plates of Go Pala have thrown fresh light on the achievements and date of Ratna Pala. An inscription states that Ratna Pala of Pragjyotisha-Kamarupa defeated King Rajyapala of Pala dynasty and advanced as far as the Ganges in the heart of Pala empire. This achievement is not mentioned in any earlier record of the family. The inscription mentioned Rajyapala of Bengal, advancing the dates of Pala's reign to the 1st half of the 10th century from the 1st half of the 11th century.
The Baragaon plates, issued in the 25th regnal year of Ratnapala suggests that Brahma Pala abdicated in favour of his son. The author of the inscription extravagantly praised Ratna Pala, describing him as a terror to the Saka king ; to the Lord of Gurjaras ; to the Gauda monarch ; to the ruler of Kerala; to the Vahikas ; to the Tayikas as well as the Dakshinatya kings. These claims, barring the case of the Gauda king, we poetical exaggerations by the scribe. The basis of such claims was nothing more than the receipt of a present from a source such as a visiting trader.
The Baragaon and Sualkuchi plate grants of Ratna Pala were issued in his 25th and 36th regnal years when the king was residing at Durjaya. The Carabari plates, last to be discovered, were issued during the 12th regnal year when the king was at Hadappaka, identified with Hadappesvara and was the capital of the kings of Salastambha line.
He was the builder of many Siva temples, the donor of much wealth to the Brahmins, the performer of some sacrifices and the like.