The Sen dynasty was the name of dynasty, which established its dominion over Bengal from the middle of the 12th century. The dynasty ruled Bengal for 160 years. Karnataka was the origin of this dynasty and belonged to Sen (Nai) caste.
After the Pals, the Sen family ruled Bengal. Its founder was Samantasen, which was called Brahmakshatriya. From the title of Brahmakshatriya it seems that Samantasen was a Brahmin, But his successors called themselves only Kshatriyas. Samantasen’s son Hemantsen took advantage of Bengal’s unstable political situation to form an independent state.
Vijaysen
During his long reign of 60 years, Hemantsen’s son Vijayasen gave the Sen a public fame. Starting his life as an ordinary chieftain, Vijayasen won almost all of Bengal and laid the foundation of the greatness of this family.
Vijayasen held many other royal titles such as Parameshwar, Parambhattarak, Maharajadhiraj. It had two capitals – Vijaypuri in West Bengal and Vikrampura in Bangladesh. The famous poet Mr. Harsh wrote the Vijay Prasasti in his memory.
Ballal Sen
Vijayasen’s successor was his son Ballalsen. His reign was normal and peaceful and he kept the territory he had inherited from his father as it was. Ballalsen was a great scholar. He wrote four books. Out of which only two are available. These are Danasagar and the wonderful ocean. The first book is on Shakun–apshkun, While the subject of the second book is astronomy.
Laxman Sen
Laxman Sen succeeded his father at the age of 60 in 1179 AD. Towards the end of his reign he had to face many problems. Bakhtiar Khilji’s invasion of Sen power weakened by internal rebellions was demolished. A detailed account of Bakhtiyar Khilji’s invasion is found in Tabakat-e-Nasiti.
Laxman Sen’s reign is considered important for the preservation of literary activities. He was a devout Vaishnava. Jayadev, the author of the song Govind and the famous Vaishnav poet of Bengal lived in his court. Other famous poets who were in his court were Dhoyi, the author of Pavandoot and Govardhan, the author of Aryashapt. Laxman Sen himself completed a book called the wonderful Sagar, started by his father. According to Tabakat-e-Nasiti, Laxman Sen’s descendants ruled parts of Bengal for a few days.
Reference : https://www.indiaolddays.com
