Relevance: Ancient History of Odisha, Dynastic History, Post-Mauryan Period.
1. Introduction and Sources
The history of Kalinga after the Maurya rule was obscure until the discovery of the Hatigumpha Inscription at Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar. This inscription serves as the primary source, shedding a "flood of light" on this dark period. It describes Kharavela as a mighty monarch whose reign marked the pinnacle of glory for Kalinga.
2. Dynastic Origin and Lineage
Kharavela belonged to the Mahameghavahana family of the Chedi clan. The inscription introduces him as 'Airena Maharajena, Mahameghavahanena and Chetarajavasavadhanena'.
- Mahameghavahana: Considered the grandfather of Kharavela and founder of the dynasty in Kalinga.
- Chetaraja: Likely the father of Kharavela.
- Position: Kharavela was the third ruler of the Mahameghavahana dynasty.
3. Early Life and Education
Before his accession, Kharavela possessed auspicious physical marks indicative of future greatness.
- Up to 15 years: Spent time in sports and games.
- Education: Acquired knowledge in Lekha (writing), Rupa (currency/finance), Ganana (arithmetic), and Vidhi (law).
- Martial Arts: Trained in Dhanurvidya (warfare) and Gandharva vidya (music and dance).
- Coronation: Became Crown Prince at 15 and was crowned King at the age of 24, assuming the title Kalingadhipati.
4. Chronology of Events (The 13-Year Reign)
Welfare and Renovation (1st Year)
He focused on the renovation of his capital, Kalinganagara, repairing gates and buildings destroyed by a furious cyclone. He also built defensive ramparts and deep lakes, costing 35 lakhs of coins.
Military Achievements
- 2nd Year (Satavahana War): Led an expedition against the powerful Satakarni I. His army reached the Krishna river and besieged the city of Rishikanagara.
- 4th Year (Deccan Campaign): Subdued the Rathikas and Bhojakas (near Nasik region), who paid homage and booty.
- 8th Year (Northern Expedition): Attacked Rajagriha and devastated Gorathagiri. This caused the Yavana king (identified as Demitrius or Minandar) to flee from Mathura.
- 11th Year (Southern Confederacy): Defeated a confederacy of southern powers including the Cholas, Pandyas, and Keralaputras, securing jewels and pearls.
- 12th Year (Magadha Conquest): Defeated Bruhaspati Mitra, the Sunga ruler of Magadha.
Key Achievement: He brought back the Kalinga Jina (venerated image) as a trophy, which had been taken away 300 or 103 years earlier by a Nanda King.
Benevolent Activities
- 3rd Year: Organized entertainment for subjects involving dance, music, and festivities.
- 5th Year: Extended a canal from Tansulia road to Kalinganagari, originally dug by King Nanda.
- 6th Year: Remitted taxes and benevolences for both urban and rural subjects.
- 9th Year: Built the Mahavijaya Prasadam (Great Victory Palace) to commemorate his northern victory.
5. Religious Patronage and Architecture
In his 13th Regnal Year, Kharavela turned toward religious pursuits. He is remembered as a great patron of Jainism.
- Construction: Built 117 caves at Kumari Parvata (Udayagiri) for Jaina monks and Arhats.
- Art Revival: Revived the ancient art and architecture of Kalinga (Mukhiya Kala).
6. Date and Chronology
The date of Kharavela is controversial, revolving around the identification of the "Nanda Raja" and "Bruhaspati Mitra" mentioned in the Hatigumpha inscription.
- N.K. Sahu's View: Fixes Kharavela's coronation at 40 B.C..
- K.C. Panigrahi's View: Fixes coronation at 159 B.C., identifying Nanda Raja with Asoka.
- Consensus: Most scholars agree he cannot be earlier than the 2nd Century B.C. or later than the 1st Century B.C..
7. Conclusion
Kharavela was a military genius comparable to Chandragupta Maurya and Samudragupta. His empire extended from Mathura in the north to the Pandya kingdom in the south. However, his lasting legacy rests not just on conquest, but on his role as a benevolent administrator and a champion of Jainism.
