Which of the following is/are correct about king Kharavela?1. He was t...
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In the early part of the 1st century B.C. Kalinga became independent under the Chedi Chief Mahameghavana. The third ruler of this dynasty was Kahravela who flourished during the second half of the 1 st century B.C. Mauryan empire lasted from about 321 to 185 BCE. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
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The Hatigumpha inscription in Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar furnishes detailed accounts about the life and activities of Kharavela from his boyhood to his 13th regnal year. It is known from this record that Kharavela on the premature death of his father took up the administration first as a Yuvaraja and then on completion of 24 years of age ascended to the throne as Maharaja. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
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In the second regnal year, he invaded the territory of the Satavahana king Satakami I and marching up to the river Krishna stormed the city of Asika.
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The Hatigumpha inscription records the activities of Kharavela up to his thirteenth regnal year after which nothing is known about him. He was probably succeeded by his son Kudepasiri. The Mahameghavahana dynasty continued to rule over Kalinga and Mahishaka up to the 1 st century A.D. as known from some recently discovered inscriptions of Guntupalli and Velpuru in Andhra Pradesh.
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Which of the following is/are correct about king Kharavela?1. He was t...
King Kharavela: Overview
King Kharavela was a significant ruler of the Kalinga kingdom in ancient India, known for his military prowess and patronage of Jainism. His reign contributed to the cultural and political landscape of the time.
Statement 1: Ruler during the Mauryan Period
- Kharavela ruled during the 1st century BCE, which is after the decline of the Mauryan Empire (which ended around the 2nd century BCE).
- Therefore, this statement is incorrect. Kharavela was not a ruler during the Mauryan period but rather a contemporary of the post-Mauryan period.
Statement 2: Hathigumpha Inscription
- The Hathigumpha inscription, located in the Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar, is a crucial source of information regarding Kharavela’s reign.
- This inscription details his achievements, military conquests, and the revival of Jainism in Kalinga.
- Thus, this statement is correct as it provides valuable insights into his rule.
Conclusion
Given the analysis above:
- Statement 1 is incorrect.
- Statement 2 is correct.
Thus, the correct answer is option 'b' (2 only).
However, if we consider the broader context of Kharavela’s significance and the interpretations that sometimes link him to the Mauryan influence, it might have led to some confusion. But strictly based on the timeline and historical evidence, option 'b' stands as the most accurate choice.
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