Bengal under the Sens
The Sens ruled Bengal and much of the eastern part of the Indian Subcontinent through the 11th and 12th centuries.
The Sen Rulers:
• Hemanta Sen (1070 - 1096 AD)
• Vijay Sen (1096 - 1159 AD)
• Vallal Sen (1159 - 1179 AD)
• Lakshman Sen (1179 - 1206 AD)
• Vishwa Rup Sen (1206 - 1225 AD)
• Keshab Sen (1225 - 1230 AD)
The founder of the Sen Dynasty in Bengal was Samanta Sen. His son Hemanta Sen ruled as a feudal king under the Pala Emperor Ramapala. Hemanta Sen's son, Vijaya Sen (1098 AD--1160 AD), at first also ruled as a feudal king under Rampala, but he gradually consolidated his position in Western Bengal and ultimately laid the foundation of the independent rule of the Sens. Most probably, Vijaya Sen established his own supremacy in North and North Western Bengal by ousting the Palas sometime after 1152-53 AD. Vijaya Sen is also recorded to have extended his hold over Bihar in the west and Vanga (south-eastern Bengal) in the east. Vijaya Sen's first capital was in Vijayapura and his second at Vikramapura in the Munshigonj district in Bangladesh.
During the time of Vijaya Sen, Vallala Sen conquered Mithila.Vijaya Sen was succeeded by his son Vallala Sen (1160 AD--1178 AD). But Vallala Sen played a significant part in the downfall of the Pala Dynasty.
Vallala Sen was a great scholar and renowned author. He wrote the ‘Dana Sagara’ and ‘Adbhuta Sagara’.
Lakshmana Sen
Lakshmana Sen succeeded his father in 1178. His reign was famous for remarkable literary activities. He himself wrote many Sanskrit poems. His court contained renowned poets like Jaya Deva, the author of ‘Gita govinda’, Dhoyi, the composer of ‘Pavan Duta’ and ‘Sharana’.
The major blow to Lakshmana Sen rule came when the Muslim ruler Bakhtiyar Khalji advanced into Bengal and defeated him at Nadia in 1204 AD. Lakshama Sen lost control of north and north-west Bengal and for the final two years of his life he ruled only east Bengal.
After the death of Laksmana Sen in 1206 AD, his two sons Vishva Rupa Sen and Keshava Sen ruled east Bengal. But the death of Laksmana Sen marked the end of Sen rule in Bengal.
Caste system in Sen period
04 Caste in the society:
1. Brahman
2. Khaitrya
3. Baishaya
4. Shudra
Brahman
Brahmans are in the highest position in Hindu caste system. They are the religious elite of the society. Originally they are not local but migrated and settled down in Bengal during 4-6th century. Under the Sen period, Brahmans were patronized by the ruler. They are the leading position for religious and political issues. In all period, like Pala, Sen, Muslim, British era, Brahmans were mostly facilited.
Khaitrya
Khaitrya the second Hindu caste, their rank is after the Brahman. As per the Rigbed, they originated from the arms of the God. Their chief duty is to ensure the safety and security of the state and its people. In other words, they were rulers and warriors. They are Aryan. Apart from ruling the country, they also acquired knowledge. Their rites and rituals are the same as those of other Hindus.
Baishya
Baishya is the third Hindu caste. In the caste system, farmers, traders and merchants were the level of Baisyas. They were Aryans and economically rich & developed because of their position.
Shudras
Shudras are the last caste in the Hindu society. Though they are the majority part of Hindu population, but their position is lowest in the caste. Shudras are designated to serve the higher casts. As per ancient caste, Shudas are untouchables and extremely poor. They have little access to sanitation, housing, health care, and other service related sectors.
