Table of Contents
Introduction: Kharvela
Kharavela was a significant historical figure in ancient India, renowned for his leadership and military achievements as the ruler of the Kalinga Empire. He ascended to power around the 2nd century BCE and is best known for his reign’s revitalization of Kalinga after a period of decline.
Kharavela’s inscriptions, notably the Hathigumpha inscription in Udayagiri cave, provide invaluable insights into his accomplishments, including successful military campaigns, temple constructions, and patronage of the arts and religion.
He is particularly celebrated for his efforts in promoting Jainism, as evident from his patronage of Jain monasteries and propagation of Jain teachings. Kharavela’s legacy endures as a symbol of Kalinga’s resurgence and his contributions to the cultural and religious landscape of ancient India.
Important Points: Kharvela of Meghavahana Dynasty
- After the death of Ashoka, the history of Kalinga is shrouded in darkness.
- In the 1st century BC, a new dynasty named Meghavahana Dynasty in ancient Kalinga was established.
- The only source on the history of this dynasty is the Hathigumpha inscription (near Bhubaneswar) of the 3rd ruler of this dynasty, Kharvela.
- This inscription does not mention the names of the previous rulers of Kharvela.
- It was written in the 13th year of Kharvela’s reign.
- No date is mentioned in the Hathigumpha inscription.
- The Hathigumpha inscription mentions that Kharvela ascended the throne at the age of 24. He is credited with numerous architectural projects and the patronage of Jainism, he is also known to have maintained cordial relations with other religious communities.
- His capital was at Kalinga.
- He took the title of Kalinga Chakrabarti.
- He was a follower of Jainism.
- He constructed a few caves at Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar for the residence of Jain monks.
Meghavahana Dynasty
- The Mahameghavahana dynasty was an ancient dynasty that ruled over the Kalinga region, (present-day Odisha), during the 1st and 2nd centuries BCE.
- This dynasty is primarily known from inscriptions found in the caves of Udaygiri and Khandagiri.
- One of the most prominent rulers of the Mahameghavahana dynasty was King Kharavela, who is believed to have reigned in the 1st century BCE.
- The Hathigumpha inscription provides valuable information about King Kharavela’s military victories, political alliances, and contributions to the welfare of his subjects.
Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharvela
- Kalingan army consisted of 4 wings, elephantry, cavalry, chariot, and infantry.
- The Hathigumpha inscription is a famous ancient inscription found in the Udaygiri caves near Bhubaneswar.
- It is considered one of the most important inscriptions from ancient India and provides valuable historical information about King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty who ruled during the 1st century BCE.
- The inscription is carved on the Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave), which is one of the caves on the Udaygiri hill.
- It is written in the ancient Brahmi script and the Prakrit language.
- The inscription is notable for its detailed account of King Kharavela’s military campaigns, achievements, and contributions to the welfare of his kingdom.
Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves
- The Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves are ancient rock-cut caves located near Bhubaneswar in Odisha.
- These caves were first discovered by Andrew Sterling (a British Officer) in the 19th century AD.
- The caves were for the Jain monks.
- The major caves are –
- Hathigumpha, The Ganesh Gumpha, The Rani Gumpha, The Vyaghra Gumpha, Barabhuji Gumpha, Trushula Gumpha etc.