The Pala Empire; one of the major middle kingdoms of India; existed from 750-1174 CE. It was ruled by a Buddhist dynasty from Bengal in the eastern region of the Indian subcontinent; all the rulers bearing names ending with the suffix Pala.

Manjushri is seated on his mount; a lion. His relaxed pose; with one leg hanging down; is called lalita-asana and is often found in images of bodhisattvas. On the water lily to the right of Manjushri's head is his attribute - the book; a symbol of wisdom. Manjushri is making the gesture to set the wheel of doctrine in motion; the dharmacakra mudra. Pictures From History