ABSTRACT
Between the eighth and 11th centuries, Bengal was ruled by the dynasties integrating several sub-regions, namely the Pālas and the Candras. Under them, the state control over rural society was enhanced enormously, while the social stratification in the latter intensified with the incorporation of non-sedentary groups. The state, however, had inner contradiction which manifested in tension and negotiation between the king and subordinate rulers, of whom the former eventually gained upperhand. The focus of their relation was religious agents including institutions like Buddhist vihāras and highly qualified brāhmaṇas, which showed stronger presence with their landholdings and networks. The power relations around rural society brought out a configuration in which a new form of agrarian development proceeded along with the commercialisation of its economy. In this context, rural society attempted at the two forms of social reorganisation, namely, maintenance of social cohesion and formation of occupational groups. The contradictions among rural society, political powers and religious agents culminated in the Kaivarta rebellion which temporarily ousted the Pālas from North Bengal and made them heavily dependent on subordinate rulers even in its aftermath.
