EPISODE · Jun 24, 2026 · 5 MIN
Bengal's Hindu Surge: The Rise of the Senas
from The Hidden History of Bengal: Kingdoms, Empires, and Revolution — Fexingo History · host Fexingo
In this episode, we delve into the Sena dynasty's dramatic rise in 11th-century Bengal, exploring how they supplanted the Buddhist Pala Empire and established a Hindu revivalist state. We focus on the visionary founder Vijayasena, who unified fractured kingdoms through warfare and strategic marriages, and his son Ballalasena, a scholar-king who codified caste-based kulinism. We examine the cultural zenith under Lakshmanasena, patron of the poet Jayadeva, and the dynasty's sudden collapse at the hands of Bakhtiyar Khilji's Turkic invasion in 1204. We also discuss the contested historiography of the Senas, who left behind a rich legacy in Sanskrit literature, temple architecture, and the governance of Nabadwip. This episode connects the Senas to earlier episodes on the Palas and the Portuguese, revealing how Bengal's Hindu identity was forged in fire and politics. #SenaDynasty #Vijayasena #Ballalasena #Lakshmanasena #BengalHistory #HinduRevival #Kulinism #Jayadeva #GitaGovinda #Nabadwip #BakhtiyarKhilji #MedievalIndia #SouthAsia #History #FexingoHistory #PalaEmpire #SanskritLiterature #MughalBengal Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
What this episode covers
In this episode, we delve into the Sena dynasty's dramatic rise in 11th-century Bengal, exploring how they supplanted the Buddhist Pala Empire and established a Hindu revivalist state. We focus on the visionary founder Vijayasena, who unified fractured kingdoms through warfare and strategic marriages, and his son Ballalasena, a scholar-king who codified caste-based kulinism. We examine the cultural zenith under Lakshmanasena, patron of the poet Jayadeva, and the dynasty's sudden collapse at the hands of Bakhtiyar Khilji's Turkic invasion in 1204. We also discuss the contested historiography of the Senas, who left behind a rich legacy in Sanskrit literature, temple architecture, and the governance of Nabadwip. This episode connects the Senas to earlier episodes on the Palas and the Portuguese, revealing how Bengal's Hindu identity was forged in fire and politics. #SenaDynasty #Vijayasena #Ballalasena #Lakshmanasena #BengalHistory #HinduRevival #Kulinism #Jayadeva #GitaGovinda #Nabadwip #BakhtiyarKhilji #MedievalIndia #SouthAsia #History #FexingoHistory #PalaEmpire #SanskritLiterature #MughalBengal Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
NOW PLAYING
Bengal's Hindu Surge: The Rise of the Senas
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.