EPISODE · Jun 26, 2026 · 6 MIN
The Sena Dynasty's Kulinism: Bengal's Caste Revolution
from The Hidden History of Bengal: Kingdoms, Empires, and Revolution — Fexingo History · host Fexingo
In this episode, Lucas and Luna delve into the Sena dynasty's controversial policy of Kulinism, which rigidified caste hierarchies in Bengal under King Ballalasena in the 12th century. They explore how Ballalasena and his son Lakshmanasena used marriage restrictions and genealogical purity to consolidate power, creating a social revolution that still echoes in Bengali society today. The conversation touches on the Sena rise from vassals of the Palas to independent rulers, the legendary poet Jayadeva at Lakshmanasena's court, and the eventual fall to Bakhtiyar Khilji. Lucas explains how Kulinism sought to control land and women through hypergamy, and why it provoked resistance from lower castes and Vaishnavite reformers. The episode also covers the Senas' patronage of Sanskrit learning and the vibrant literary culture of Nabadwip. #Kulinism #Ballalasena #SenaDynasty #CasteInBengal #BengalHistory #Lakshmanasena #Nabadwip #Jayadeva #GitaGovinda #Vaishnavism #BakhtiyarKhilji #Vijayasena #PalaEmpire #MedievalIndia #SouthAsianHistory #CasteSystem #SanskritLiterature #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
What this episode covers
In this episode, Lucas and Luna delve into the Sena dynasty's controversial policy of Kulinism, which rigidified caste hierarchies in Bengal under King Ballalasena in the 12th century. They explore how Ballalasena and his son Lakshmanasena used marriage restrictions and genealogical purity to consolidate power, creating a social revolution that still echoes in Bengali society today. The conversation touches on the Sena rise from vassals of the Palas to independent rulers, the legendary poet Jayadeva at Lakshmanasena's court, and the eventual fall to Bakhtiyar Khilji. Lucas explains how Kulinism sought to control land and women through hypergamy, and why it provoked resistance from lower castes and Vaishnavite reformers. The episode also covers the Senas' patronage of Sanskrit learning and the vibrant literary culture of Nabadwip. #Kulinism #Ballalasena #SenaDynasty #CasteInBengal #BengalHistory #Lakshmanasena #Nabadwip #Jayadeva #GitaGovinda #Vaishnavism #BakhtiyarKhilji #Vijayasena #PalaEmpire #MedievalIndia #SouthAsianHistory #CasteSystem #SanskritLiterature #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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The Sena Dynasty's Kulinism: Bengal's Caste Revolution
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