The Hathigumpha inscription, discovered in the caves of Udayagiri Hill near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a crucial historical record shedding light on the reign and accomplishments of King Kharavela. This inscription, along with others found in the caves, provides valuable information about the rulers and dynasties of the time, offering a glimpse into the history of early India. Let us delve into the details of this remarkable inscription and its significance.
Table of Contents
Discovery and Decipherment
The Hathigumpha inscription, engraved on the ceiling of a cave, was first discovered by A. Sterling in 1820 and later copied by Colonel Mackenzi. However, it was James Prinsep who successfully deciphered the inscription in 1837, publishing his findings in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Due to its defaced nature, the inscription has attracted the attention of numerous scholars, resulting in several reeditions and sparking debates among experts.
Importance of the Hathigumpha Inscription
The Hathigumpha inscription stands out as an exceptional historical record due to its detailed and chronologically ordered account of King Kharavela’s life and reign. No other epigraphical record in India provides such a comprehensive chronicle of a ruler and his achievements. Moreover, the inscription references various earlier and contemporary kings and dynasties, shedding light on the broader history of early India. It is the earliest known reference to Bharatavarsa, mentioning significant locations like Gorathagiri, Rajagriha, Mathura, and Pithunda. The inscription demonstrates the composer’s remarkable knowledge of history, topography, and chronology, earning it the reputation of an eulogy for the king.
Language and Script
The language used in the Hathigumpha inscription is Prakrit, but it differs from the Magadhi Prakrit of the time. Scholars such as K.P. Jayaswal and R.D. Banerji have suggested that the language of the inscription, along with other minor inscriptions in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills, resembles the canonical Pali. It is referred to as Odra Prakrit, bearing similarities to Pali, which had various regional variants in ancient India. The inscription’s literary merit shines through its poetic quality and expressive prose style. The script used in the inscription is Brahmi, exhibiting a stage of development after the Asokan Brahmi, often referred to as transitional Brahmi.
Dating Kharavela
The Hathigumpha inscription provides clues about the period of King Kharavela. The names of four important rulers—Satakarni, Nandaraja, Yavanaraja, and Brihaspatimitra—are mentioned in connection with Kharavela’s activities and achievements. Satakarni is identified as Satavahana king Satakarni I from the 1st century BCE, while Nandaraja is believed to be Mahapadmananda, the king of Magadha from the 4th century BCE. The presence of Brihaspatimitra of Magadha, identified as Bahasatimitta, confirms Kharavela’s position in the 1st century BCE.
Ancestry and Early Career of Kharavela
Kharavela belonged to the Chedi-Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga and was the third generation of this lineage. His grandfather, Mahameghavahana, was likely the progenitor, and his father, Chetaraja, preceded him as ruler. The Hathigumpha inscription describes Kharavela’s early life, highlighting his physical attributes, auspicious marks, and extensive training in various fields such as writing, coinage, administration, music, dance, and military tactics. He assumed the crown prince role at fifteen and ascended to the throne of Kalinga at twenty-four, adopting the title of aira maharaja or Aryan king and lord of Kalinga (Kalingadhipati).
Kharavela as a Benevolent King
Kharavela’s reign began with the restoration of Kalinganagari, the capital city severely damaged by a cyclone. He initiated various construction projects, including the building of steps for cool tanks and the establishment of gardens, demonstrating his commitment to pleasing his subjects. Kalinganagari, identified as Sisupalgarh, was a fortified citadel that has been excavated, revealing numerous archaeological artifacts. Kharavela also organized festivals, acrobatic performances, and cultural gatherings in his third regnal year, further solidifying his reputation as a patron of the arts.
Kharavela as a Conqueror
Kharavela’s military prowess was instrumental in defending and expanding the kingdom of Kalinga. He faced challenges from the Satavahanas, Magadha, Indo-Greeks, and the Tamil confederacy. Kharavela’s vast and invincible army, comprising infantry, cavalry, elephantry, and chariots, played a significant role in his campaigns. He launched successful expeditions to the west, crossing the river Krishna to Asika, the capital of Assaka. He also defeated the Rastrikas and Bhojakas with the assistance of the Vidyadhara territory. His conquests extended from the eastern to the western sea, culminating in his victorious march to Pataliputra, the capital of Magadha. Kharavela’s military achievements showcased the might and prestige of Kalinga.
Kharavela as a Patron of Jainism
As a devoted follower of Jainism, Kharavela promoted and supported the faith during his reign. He undertook various initiatives to enhance the status of Jainism in his kingdom. Kharavela rescued Mathura, an important Jain pilgrimage center, from the Indo-Greeks and brought back a sapling of the Kalpa tree, symbolizing the faith’s significance. He also reclaimed the ancient metropolis of Pithumda, associated with the first Tirthankara Adijina Risabhanatha, using symbolic plowing techniques. Kharavela revered the Kalinga Jina, a Jain religious artifact taken from Kalinga by Nandaraja, and made significant endowments to Jain monks and sramanas.
Kharavela’s Ideals of Kingship
The Hathigumpha inscription indirectly reveals Kharavela’s ideals of kingship. He embodied principles of politics, diplomacy, peace, and equity, and his coronation was compared to that of Prithu, the son of Vainya. Kharavela was a just and benevolent king, known for upholding and protecting the law. His administration was characterized by a strong and well-organized military, financial stability, and a capable bureaucracy. The inscription suggests the existence of a council of ministers and various administrative officials responsible for governance.
Conclusion
The Hathigumpha inscription provides invaluable insights into the life, achievements, and reign of King Kharavela. It stands as a significant historical record, chronicling the history of Kalinga and early India. Kharavela’s military campaigns, patronage of Jainism, and ideals of kingship demonstrate his remarkable legacy as a ruler. The inscription’s decipherment and subsequent analyses by
