The Mahameghavahana | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


37 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction  
The history of Kalinga after the Maurya rule is obscure and it is not known exactly when 
this country regained its independence. A flood of light is focused upon this dark period of 
Odishan history with the discovery of Hatigumpha inscription at Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar. The 
facts described in this inscription undoubtedly proves that its author Kharavela, the mighty 
monarch was a remarkable figure in the contemporary India. His mighty sword blasted the vanity 
of Kalinga's age-old enemy Magadha and subjugated a vast area under Kalingan suzerainty. 
Under his reign Kalinga reached the pinnacle of glory.  The facts narrated in the Hatigumpha 
inscription has been amply corroborated by the excavation at Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar and 
through some figures engraved in different caves at Udyagiri. The Hatigumpha inscription at 
Udaygiri hill near Bhubaneswar describes in details about the career and achievement of 
Kharavela, the mighty ruler of Mahameghvahana family. 
The Mahameghavahanas 
The Hatigumpha inscription mentions that Kharavela belonged to the Mahameghavahana 
family of the Chedi clan. The Chedis were originally ruling in Madhyadesa or Magadha and it 
has been suggested that a branch of this royal family of the hoary ambiguity, came to Kalinga 
and established its sway over it. We do not know when they migrated to Kalinga, but from the 
Hatigumpha inscription it becomes apparent that Kharavela was the third member of the 
Kalingan Chedis.   
Kharavela is introduced as 'Airena Maharajena, Mahameghavahanena and 
Chetarajavasavadhanena'. Each part of the expression has admitted of controversies. Barua reads 
'Aira' as 'Veera' meaning hero but explains it as a royal title' Ayira' meaning Svami i.e., master or 
lord. Mahameghavahana is considered to be the grandfather of Kharavela, the founder of the 
dynasty in Kalinga which came to be known as Mahameghavahana after his name. Like the 
Satavahanas of the South, Mahameghavahana dynasty was established in Kalinga. The 
Manchpuri cave inscription describes Kharavela's son as 'Maharaja-Kalingadhipati-
Page 2


37 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction  
The history of Kalinga after the Maurya rule is obscure and it is not known exactly when 
this country regained its independence. A flood of light is focused upon this dark period of 
Odishan history with the discovery of Hatigumpha inscription at Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar. The 
facts described in this inscription undoubtedly proves that its author Kharavela, the mighty 
monarch was a remarkable figure in the contemporary India. His mighty sword blasted the vanity 
of Kalinga's age-old enemy Magadha and subjugated a vast area under Kalingan suzerainty. 
Under his reign Kalinga reached the pinnacle of glory.  The facts narrated in the Hatigumpha 
inscription has been amply corroborated by the excavation at Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar and 
through some figures engraved in different caves at Udyagiri. The Hatigumpha inscription at 
Udaygiri hill near Bhubaneswar describes in details about the career and achievement of 
Kharavela, the mighty ruler of Mahameghvahana family. 
The Mahameghavahanas 
The Hatigumpha inscription mentions that Kharavela belonged to the Mahameghavahana 
family of the Chedi clan. The Chedis were originally ruling in Madhyadesa or Magadha and it 
has been suggested that a branch of this royal family of the hoary ambiguity, came to Kalinga 
and established its sway over it. We do not know when they migrated to Kalinga, but from the 
Hatigumpha inscription it becomes apparent that Kharavela was the third member of the 
Kalingan Chedis.   
Kharavela is introduced as 'Airena Maharajena, Mahameghavahanena and 
Chetarajavasavadhanena'. Each part of the expression has admitted of controversies. Barua reads 
'Aira' as 'Veera' meaning hero but explains it as a royal title' Ayira' meaning Svami i.e., master or 
lord. Mahameghavahana is considered to be the grandfather of Kharavela, the founder of the 
dynasty in Kalinga which came to be known as Mahameghavahana after his name. Like the 
Satavahanas of the South, Mahameghavahana dynasty was established in Kalinga. The 
Manchpuri cave inscription describes Kharavela's son as 'Maharaja-Kalingadhipati-
 
Mahameghavahana- Kudepasiri'. Another inscription at Guntupalli in West Godavari district of 
A.P. (cir. 1st century B.C.) in the same Brahmi script and Prakrit language refers to 
"Mahameghavahana-Kalinga- Mahisakadhipati-Siri-Sada". "Cetarajavasavadhanena" has been 
interpreted as one who increases the glory of the Cedi dynasty.   The latest view in the regard is 
that Chetaraja was the father of Kharavela.   Kharavela, the son of Cetaraja, was the third ruler 
Mahameghavahana dynasty also known as Kalingarajavamsa. The Hathigumpha inscription 
precisely records his career and achievements up to thirteen years of his reign. 
 Career and achivements of Kharavela 
The career and achievements of Kharavela has gone through two phases, (1) his career as 
a prince and (2) his career and achievement as a ruler. 
 His Career as a Prince 
The inscription opens with a salutation to the Jaina saints and then gives us some ideas 
about the childhood and the boyhood of Kharavela before accession to the throne. It is said that 
he was born with auspicious physical marks and noble qualities which were indicative of his 
future greatness as a ruler. Till the fifteenth year, he spent his time in different types of sports 
and games. During this period he also acquired knowledge in different branches of learning, 
which were essential for discharging royal duty, such as writing or correspondence (Lekha), 
finance, currency (Rupa), arithmetic (Ganana) and law (Vldhl and Vyvahara). As a prince, 
Kharavela underwent training in the art of warfare (Dhanuryidya), music and dance (Gandharva 
vidya) and religion. In the fifteenth year he became the crown prince and started probation in the 
practical field of administration. At the age of twenty four, he was crowned king by assuming the 
title Kalingadhipati and gave his subjects a sound administration. 
His career and achievement as a ruler  
After giving a description of his early life up to the 24th year, the Hatigumpha inscription 
records the events of his 13 years' reign chronologically.  
Renovation of his capital 
  In his first regnal year, he involved himself in the renovation work by  repairing  the gates 
and buildings of his capital Kalinganagara, which had been destroyed by a furious cyclone. He 
employed people to dig a deep lake and to create beautiful gardens.  These repairs and some 
other public works in the same year cost him thirty-five lakhs of coins from the royal exchequer. 
Page 3


37 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction  
The history of Kalinga after the Maurya rule is obscure and it is not known exactly when 
this country regained its independence. A flood of light is focused upon this dark period of 
Odishan history with the discovery of Hatigumpha inscription at Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar. The 
facts described in this inscription undoubtedly proves that its author Kharavela, the mighty 
monarch was a remarkable figure in the contemporary India. His mighty sword blasted the vanity 
of Kalinga's age-old enemy Magadha and subjugated a vast area under Kalingan suzerainty. 
Under his reign Kalinga reached the pinnacle of glory.  The facts narrated in the Hatigumpha 
inscription has been amply corroborated by the excavation at Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar and 
through some figures engraved in different caves at Udyagiri. The Hatigumpha inscription at 
Udaygiri hill near Bhubaneswar describes in details about the career and achievement of 
Kharavela, the mighty ruler of Mahameghvahana family. 
The Mahameghavahanas 
The Hatigumpha inscription mentions that Kharavela belonged to the Mahameghavahana 
family of the Chedi clan. The Chedis were originally ruling in Madhyadesa or Magadha and it 
has been suggested that a branch of this royal family of the hoary ambiguity, came to Kalinga 
and established its sway over it. We do not know when they migrated to Kalinga, but from the 
Hatigumpha inscription it becomes apparent that Kharavela was the third member of the 
Kalingan Chedis.   
Kharavela is introduced as 'Airena Maharajena, Mahameghavahanena and 
Chetarajavasavadhanena'. Each part of the expression has admitted of controversies. Barua reads 
'Aira' as 'Veera' meaning hero but explains it as a royal title' Ayira' meaning Svami i.e., master or 
lord. Mahameghavahana is considered to be the grandfather of Kharavela, the founder of the 
dynasty in Kalinga which came to be known as Mahameghavahana after his name. Like the 
Satavahanas of the South, Mahameghavahana dynasty was established in Kalinga. The 
Manchpuri cave inscription describes Kharavela's son as 'Maharaja-Kalingadhipati-
 
Mahameghavahana- Kudepasiri'. Another inscription at Guntupalli in West Godavari district of 
A.P. (cir. 1st century B.C.) in the same Brahmi script and Prakrit language refers to 
"Mahameghavahana-Kalinga- Mahisakadhipati-Siri-Sada". "Cetarajavasavadhanena" has been 
interpreted as one who increases the glory of the Cedi dynasty.   The latest view in the regard is 
that Chetaraja was the father of Kharavela.   Kharavela, the son of Cetaraja, was the third ruler 
Mahameghavahana dynasty also known as Kalingarajavamsa. The Hathigumpha inscription 
precisely records his career and achievements up to thirteen years of his reign. 
 Career and achivements of Kharavela 
The career and achievements of Kharavela has gone through two phases, (1) his career as 
a prince and (2) his career and achievement as a ruler. 
 His Career as a Prince 
The inscription opens with a salutation to the Jaina saints and then gives us some ideas 
about the childhood and the boyhood of Kharavela before accession to the throne. It is said that 
he was born with auspicious physical marks and noble qualities which were indicative of his 
future greatness as a ruler. Till the fifteenth year, he spent his time in different types of sports 
and games. During this period he also acquired knowledge in different branches of learning, 
which were essential for discharging royal duty, such as writing or correspondence (Lekha), 
finance, currency (Rupa), arithmetic (Ganana) and law (Vldhl and Vyvahara). As a prince, 
Kharavela underwent training in the art of warfare (Dhanuryidya), music and dance (Gandharva 
vidya) and religion. In the fifteenth year he became the crown prince and started probation in the 
practical field of administration. At the age of twenty four, he was crowned king by assuming the 
title Kalingadhipati and gave his subjects a sound administration. 
His career and achievement as a ruler  
After giving a description of his early life up to the 24th year, the Hatigumpha inscription 
records the events of his 13 years' reign chronologically.  
Renovation of his capital 
  In his first regnal year, he involved himself in the renovation work by  repairing  the gates 
and buildings of his capital Kalinganagara, which had been destroyed by a furious cyclone. He 
employed people to dig a deep lake and to create beautiful gardens.  These repairs and some 
other public works in the same year cost him thirty-five lakhs of coins from the royal exchequer. 
 
This fact has been amply corroborated with the excavation at Sisupalgarh that brings out the 
remnants of defensive ramparts gateways, high rowers etc.   
Expedition against Satavahana king 
Kharavela   possessed a large army, consisting of infantry, cavalry, elephant force and 
chariots. Having made adequate preparation, he undertook expedition against the powerful 
Satavahan king, Satakarni-I in the second year of his rule. Satakarni-I was ruling over a vast 
empire, comprising northern part of modern Maharashtra, western part of modern Madhya 
Pradesh and Andhra region. Kharavela's army advanced up to the Krishna river and besieged the 
city of Rishikanagara which was obviously situated within the Satavahan territory  
 Entertainment of his subjects 
After the southern campaign, Kharavela provided entertainment to his subjects in the 
third year. Kalinganagari, the capital of Kharavela was overwhelmed with joy and jubilation in 
his third regnal year. Kharavela was proficient in all arts of music and dance. He organised 
various performances where dance and music, both vocal and instrumental, took place. He also 
arranged ceremonials and social gatherings in which feast and merrymaking etc.  for the 
entertainment of his subjects. 
Southern campaign 
In the fourth regnal year, the war-drum of Kalinga was heard again. Kharavela mobilised 
his army and marched towards the Deccan again. The territory of the Rathikas and Bhojakas 
lying respectively to the south and north of Nasik region were conquered. The Rathikas and 
Bhojakas paid homage and booty to Kharavela. 
 Extension  of canal from the Tansulia  to Kalinganagari  
The role of Kharavela as a benevolent king is reflected in the fifth year of his reign. In 
this year, Kharavela extended the canal from the Tansulia road up to Kalinganagari. This canal 
was excavated 300 or 103 years before by king Nanda (a Nanda king) for the purpose of 
irrigation. 
Remittance of  taxes  
In the sixth year of his reign, Kharavela did not undertake any war campaign rather he 
devoted himself to the welfare activities of his subjects. He remitted taxes and benevolences both 
in urban and rural area of his kingdom. This clearly shows that the treasury of Kharavela was 
Page 4


37 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction  
The history of Kalinga after the Maurya rule is obscure and it is not known exactly when 
this country regained its independence. A flood of light is focused upon this dark period of 
Odishan history with the discovery of Hatigumpha inscription at Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar. The 
facts described in this inscription undoubtedly proves that its author Kharavela, the mighty 
monarch was a remarkable figure in the contemporary India. His mighty sword blasted the vanity 
of Kalinga's age-old enemy Magadha and subjugated a vast area under Kalingan suzerainty. 
Under his reign Kalinga reached the pinnacle of glory.  The facts narrated in the Hatigumpha 
inscription has been amply corroborated by the excavation at Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar and 
through some figures engraved in different caves at Udyagiri. The Hatigumpha inscription at 
Udaygiri hill near Bhubaneswar describes in details about the career and achievement of 
Kharavela, the mighty ruler of Mahameghvahana family. 
The Mahameghavahanas 
The Hatigumpha inscription mentions that Kharavela belonged to the Mahameghavahana 
family of the Chedi clan. The Chedis were originally ruling in Madhyadesa or Magadha and it 
has been suggested that a branch of this royal family of the hoary ambiguity, came to Kalinga 
and established its sway over it. We do not know when they migrated to Kalinga, but from the 
Hatigumpha inscription it becomes apparent that Kharavela was the third member of the 
Kalingan Chedis.   
Kharavela is introduced as 'Airena Maharajena, Mahameghavahanena and 
Chetarajavasavadhanena'. Each part of the expression has admitted of controversies. Barua reads 
'Aira' as 'Veera' meaning hero but explains it as a royal title' Ayira' meaning Svami i.e., master or 
lord. Mahameghavahana is considered to be the grandfather of Kharavela, the founder of the 
dynasty in Kalinga which came to be known as Mahameghavahana after his name. Like the 
Satavahanas of the South, Mahameghavahana dynasty was established in Kalinga. The 
Manchpuri cave inscription describes Kharavela's son as 'Maharaja-Kalingadhipati-
 
Mahameghavahana- Kudepasiri'. Another inscription at Guntupalli in West Godavari district of 
A.P. (cir. 1st century B.C.) in the same Brahmi script and Prakrit language refers to 
"Mahameghavahana-Kalinga- Mahisakadhipati-Siri-Sada". "Cetarajavasavadhanena" has been 
interpreted as one who increases the glory of the Cedi dynasty.   The latest view in the regard is 
that Chetaraja was the father of Kharavela.   Kharavela, the son of Cetaraja, was the third ruler 
Mahameghavahana dynasty also known as Kalingarajavamsa. The Hathigumpha inscription 
precisely records his career and achievements up to thirteen years of his reign. 
 Career and achivements of Kharavela 
The career and achievements of Kharavela has gone through two phases, (1) his career as 
a prince and (2) his career and achievement as a ruler. 
 His Career as a Prince 
The inscription opens with a salutation to the Jaina saints and then gives us some ideas 
about the childhood and the boyhood of Kharavela before accession to the throne. It is said that 
he was born with auspicious physical marks and noble qualities which were indicative of his 
future greatness as a ruler. Till the fifteenth year, he spent his time in different types of sports 
and games. During this period he also acquired knowledge in different branches of learning, 
which were essential for discharging royal duty, such as writing or correspondence (Lekha), 
finance, currency (Rupa), arithmetic (Ganana) and law (Vldhl and Vyvahara). As a prince, 
Kharavela underwent training in the art of warfare (Dhanuryidya), music and dance (Gandharva 
vidya) and religion. In the fifteenth year he became the crown prince and started probation in the 
practical field of administration. At the age of twenty four, he was crowned king by assuming the 
title Kalingadhipati and gave his subjects a sound administration. 
His career and achievement as a ruler  
After giving a description of his early life up to the 24th year, the Hatigumpha inscription 
records the events of his 13 years' reign chronologically.  
Renovation of his capital 
  In his first regnal year, he involved himself in the renovation work by  repairing  the gates 
and buildings of his capital Kalinganagara, which had been destroyed by a furious cyclone. He 
employed people to dig a deep lake and to create beautiful gardens.  These repairs and some 
other public works in the same year cost him thirty-five lakhs of coins from the royal exchequer. 
 
This fact has been amply corroborated with the excavation at Sisupalgarh that brings out the 
remnants of defensive ramparts gateways, high rowers etc.   
Expedition against Satavahana king 
Kharavela   possessed a large army, consisting of infantry, cavalry, elephant force and 
chariots. Having made adequate preparation, he undertook expedition against the powerful 
Satavahan king, Satakarni-I in the second year of his rule. Satakarni-I was ruling over a vast 
empire, comprising northern part of modern Maharashtra, western part of modern Madhya 
Pradesh and Andhra region. Kharavela's army advanced up to the Krishna river and besieged the 
city of Rishikanagara which was obviously situated within the Satavahan territory  
 Entertainment of his subjects 
After the southern campaign, Kharavela provided entertainment to his subjects in the 
third year. Kalinganagari, the capital of Kharavela was overwhelmed with joy and jubilation in 
his third regnal year. Kharavela was proficient in all arts of music and dance. He organised 
various performances where dance and music, both vocal and instrumental, took place. He also 
arranged ceremonials and social gatherings in which feast and merrymaking etc.  for the 
entertainment of his subjects. 
Southern campaign 
In the fourth regnal year, the war-drum of Kalinga was heard again. Kharavela mobilised 
his army and marched towards the Deccan again. The territory of the Rathikas and Bhojakas 
lying respectively to the south and north of Nasik region were conquered. The Rathikas and 
Bhojakas paid homage and booty to Kharavela. 
 Extension  of canal from the Tansulia  to Kalinganagari  
The role of Kharavela as a benevolent king is reflected in the fifth year of his reign. In 
this year, Kharavela extended the canal from the Tansulia road up to Kalinganagari. This canal 
was excavated 300 or 103 years before by king Nanda (a Nanda king) for the purpose of 
irrigation. 
Remittance of  taxes  
In the sixth year of his reign, Kharavela did not undertake any war campaign rather he 
devoted himself to the welfare activities of his subjects. He remitted taxes and benevolences both 
in urban and rural area of his kingdom. This clearly shows that the treasury of Kharavela was 
 
overflowed with wealth. As a benevolent ruler, he took up this task of remitting taxes to his 
beloved subjects to win their hearts.  
Attainment of fatherhood  
In the seventh year of his rule, Kharavela attained fatherhood. His chief queen known by 
the name 'the queen of Vajiraghara' gave birth to a son.   
Expedition to the north  
  In the eighth year of his reign, Kharavela led an expedition to the north and attacked the 
city of Rajagriha and devastated Gorathagiri which was situated on the Barbara hill of the Gaya 
district. His triumph at Rajagriha created terror among the yavanas who were then in occupation 
of Mathura. After their success in that region, they had a plan to attack Magadha, Hearing the 
exploits of Kharavela, the yavana king fled away from Mathura. The yavana ruler, whose name 
is read doubtfully as 'Dimita' or 'Dimata' might be Demitrius or Minandar as opined by several 
scholars. He had collected large booty from that war campaign of north.    
Establishment of Victory of Palace 
In the ninth year of his rule, he built the 'Great Victory Palace(Mahavijaya Prasadam) by 
spending 38 lakhs of coins in order to commemorate his victory in the northern campaign. He 
had also distributed the wealth gained from exploits among the  Brahmins and Arhats of his 
empire.  
Northern Indian campaign 
In the tenth year, Kharavela, who was the embodiment of the principles of politics, 
diplomacy and peace directed the army towards North India for conquest but the result was 
obscure. 
 Expedition against southern confederacy  
 In the eleventh year, he defeated a confederacy of southern powers. The confederacy of 
the southern powers consisted of Cholas, Pandyas, Satpuriyas, keralaputras and Tamraparnis. He 
secured large amount of jewels, pearls and precious stones as a symbol of allegiance.  
Campaign  against Bruhaspati Mitra  
In the twelfth regnal year, Kharavela led campaign against Bruhaspati Mitra, the Sunga 
ruler of Magadha with a vast army. He inflicted a crushing defeat on the Magadhan king and also 
on the ruler of Anga. The people of Magadha and Anga bowed to Kharavela in awe and respect. 
By defeating Bruhaspati Mitra, he secured the Kalinga Jina (the venerated  image of Kalinga )  
Page 5


37 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction  
The history of Kalinga after the Maurya rule is obscure and it is not known exactly when 
this country regained its independence. A flood of light is focused upon this dark period of 
Odishan history with the discovery of Hatigumpha inscription at Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar. The 
facts described in this inscription undoubtedly proves that its author Kharavela, the mighty 
monarch was a remarkable figure in the contemporary India. His mighty sword blasted the vanity 
of Kalinga's age-old enemy Magadha and subjugated a vast area under Kalingan suzerainty. 
Under his reign Kalinga reached the pinnacle of glory.  The facts narrated in the Hatigumpha 
inscription has been amply corroborated by the excavation at Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar and 
through some figures engraved in different caves at Udyagiri. The Hatigumpha inscription at 
Udaygiri hill near Bhubaneswar describes in details about the career and achievement of 
Kharavela, the mighty ruler of Mahameghvahana family. 
The Mahameghavahanas 
The Hatigumpha inscription mentions that Kharavela belonged to the Mahameghavahana 
family of the Chedi clan. The Chedis were originally ruling in Madhyadesa or Magadha and it 
has been suggested that a branch of this royal family of the hoary ambiguity, came to Kalinga 
and established its sway over it. We do not know when they migrated to Kalinga, but from the 
Hatigumpha inscription it becomes apparent that Kharavela was the third member of the 
Kalingan Chedis.   
Kharavela is introduced as 'Airena Maharajena, Mahameghavahanena and 
Chetarajavasavadhanena'. Each part of the expression has admitted of controversies. Barua reads 
'Aira' as 'Veera' meaning hero but explains it as a royal title' Ayira' meaning Svami i.e., master or 
lord. Mahameghavahana is considered to be the grandfather of Kharavela, the founder of the 
dynasty in Kalinga which came to be known as Mahameghavahana after his name. Like the 
Satavahanas of the South, Mahameghavahana dynasty was established in Kalinga. The 
Manchpuri cave inscription describes Kharavela's son as 'Maharaja-Kalingadhipati-
 
Mahameghavahana- Kudepasiri'. Another inscription at Guntupalli in West Godavari district of 
A.P. (cir. 1st century B.C.) in the same Brahmi script and Prakrit language refers to 
"Mahameghavahana-Kalinga- Mahisakadhipati-Siri-Sada". "Cetarajavasavadhanena" has been 
interpreted as one who increases the glory of the Cedi dynasty.   The latest view in the regard is 
that Chetaraja was the father of Kharavela.   Kharavela, the son of Cetaraja, was the third ruler 
Mahameghavahana dynasty also known as Kalingarajavamsa. The Hathigumpha inscription 
precisely records his career and achievements up to thirteen years of his reign. 
 Career and achivements of Kharavela 
The career and achievements of Kharavela has gone through two phases, (1) his career as 
a prince and (2) his career and achievement as a ruler. 
 His Career as a Prince 
The inscription opens with a salutation to the Jaina saints and then gives us some ideas 
about the childhood and the boyhood of Kharavela before accession to the throne. It is said that 
he was born with auspicious physical marks and noble qualities which were indicative of his 
future greatness as a ruler. Till the fifteenth year, he spent his time in different types of sports 
and games. During this period he also acquired knowledge in different branches of learning, 
which were essential for discharging royal duty, such as writing or correspondence (Lekha), 
finance, currency (Rupa), arithmetic (Ganana) and law (Vldhl and Vyvahara). As a prince, 
Kharavela underwent training in the art of warfare (Dhanuryidya), music and dance (Gandharva 
vidya) and religion. In the fifteenth year he became the crown prince and started probation in the 
practical field of administration. At the age of twenty four, he was crowned king by assuming the 
title Kalingadhipati and gave his subjects a sound administration. 
His career and achievement as a ruler  
After giving a description of his early life up to the 24th year, the Hatigumpha inscription 
records the events of his 13 years' reign chronologically.  
Renovation of his capital 
  In his first regnal year, he involved himself in the renovation work by  repairing  the gates 
and buildings of his capital Kalinganagara, which had been destroyed by a furious cyclone. He 
employed people to dig a deep lake and to create beautiful gardens.  These repairs and some 
other public works in the same year cost him thirty-five lakhs of coins from the royal exchequer. 
 
This fact has been amply corroborated with the excavation at Sisupalgarh that brings out the 
remnants of defensive ramparts gateways, high rowers etc.   
Expedition against Satavahana king 
Kharavela   possessed a large army, consisting of infantry, cavalry, elephant force and 
chariots. Having made adequate preparation, he undertook expedition against the powerful 
Satavahan king, Satakarni-I in the second year of his rule. Satakarni-I was ruling over a vast 
empire, comprising northern part of modern Maharashtra, western part of modern Madhya 
Pradesh and Andhra region. Kharavela's army advanced up to the Krishna river and besieged the 
city of Rishikanagara which was obviously situated within the Satavahan territory  
 Entertainment of his subjects 
After the southern campaign, Kharavela provided entertainment to his subjects in the 
third year. Kalinganagari, the capital of Kharavela was overwhelmed with joy and jubilation in 
his third regnal year. Kharavela was proficient in all arts of music and dance. He organised 
various performances where dance and music, both vocal and instrumental, took place. He also 
arranged ceremonials and social gatherings in which feast and merrymaking etc.  for the 
entertainment of his subjects. 
Southern campaign 
In the fourth regnal year, the war-drum of Kalinga was heard again. Kharavela mobilised 
his army and marched towards the Deccan again. The territory of the Rathikas and Bhojakas 
lying respectively to the south and north of Nasik region were conquered. The Rathikas and 
Bhojakas paid homage and booty to Kharavela. 
 Extension  of canal from the Tansulia  to Kalinganagari  
The role of Kharavela as a benevolent king is reflected in the fifth year of his reign. In 
this year, Kharavela extended the canal from the Tansulia road up to Kalinganagari. This canal 
was excavated 300 or 103 years before by king Nanda (a Nanda king) for the purpose of 
irrigation. 
Remittance of  taxes  
In the sixth year of his reign, Kharavela did not undertake any war campaign rather he 
devoted himself to the welfare activities of his subjects. He remitted taxes and benevolences both 
in urban and rural area of his kingdom. This clearly shows that the treasury of Kharavela was 
 
overflowed with wealth. As a benevolent ruler, he took up this task of remitting taxes to his 
beloved subjects to win their hearts.  
Attainment of fatherhood  
In the seventh year of his rule, Kharavela attained fatherhood. His chief queen known by 
the name 'the queen of Vajiraghara' gave birth to a son.   
Expedition to the north  
  In the eighth year of his reign, Kharavela led an expedition to the north and attacked the 
city of Rajagriha and devastated Gorathagiri which was situated on the Barbara hill of the Gaya 
district. His triumph at Rajagriha created terror among the yavanas who were then in occupation 
of Mathura. After their success in that region, they had a plan to attack Magadha, Hearing the 
exploits of Kharavela, the yavana king fled away from Mathura. The yavana ruler, whose name 
is read doubtfully as 'Dimita' or 'Dimata' might be Demitrius or Minandar as opined by several 
scholars. He had collected large booty from that war campaign of north.    
Establishment of Victory of Palace 
In the ninth year of his rule, he built the 'Great Victory Palace(Mahavijaya Prasadam) by 
spending 38 lakhs of coins in order to commemorate his victory in the northern campaign. He 
had also distributed the wealth gained from exploits among the  Brahmins and Arhats of his 
empire.  
Northern Indian campaign 
In the tenth year, Kharavela, who was the embodiment of the principles of politics, 
diplomacy and peace directed the army towards North India for conquest but the result was 
obscure. 
 Expedition against southern confederacy  
 In the eleventh year, he defeated a confederacy of southern powers. The confederacy of 
the southern powers consisted of Cholas, Pandyas, Satpuriyas, keralaputras and Tamraparnis. He 
secured large amount of jewels, pearls and precious stones as a symbol of allegiance.  
Campaign  against Bruhaspati Mitra  
In the twelfth regnal year, Kharavela led campaign against Bruhaspati Mitra, the Sunga 
ruler of Magadha with a vast army. He inflicted a crushing defeat on the Magadhan king and also 
on the ruler of Anga. The people of Magadha and Anga bowed to Kharavela in awe and respect. 
By defeating Bruhaspati Mitra, he secured the Kalinga Jina (the venerated  image of Kalinga )  
 
as trophy of his victory which was taken 300 or 103 years before by a Nanda king most probably 
Mahapadmananda. He also brought a vast treasure of wealth from Anga and Magadha.  Really 
Kharavela avenged the defeat of the Kalingans at the hand of the Nanda King who had taken 
away the Jina image from Kalinga. The scene of Bahasatimita's surrendering at the feet of 
Kharavela is found in the Ranigumpha of Udayagiri. A scene from the Manchapuri cave shows 
the installation of Kalinga Jina by Kharavela.  After his victory over the Magadhan king, 
Kharavela’s suzerainty was acknowledged by the Naga king of Central India and the Pandya 
king of South India. The Naga king sent to him jewels, elephants, horses and deer as presents. 
The pandyan king also sent jewels to him as a mark of loyality.  
 Construction of caves 
In the thirteenth year of his reign, Kharavela probably gave up military activities and 
turned his attention towards religious pursuits. He built 117 (1700 ? not possible) caves at 
Kumari Parvata (Udayagiri) for Jaina monks, monks of other religion, sheers and Arhats. This 
was his noble service rendered to the Jaina and other monks. He revived the art and architecture 
of ancient Kalinga (Mukhiya Kala) which was going to be extinguished. In different caves of 
Udaygiri and Khandagiri the images of Jaina Tirthankaras, trees, creepers, images of royal 
servants were built by him in that year.   
Time of his rule 
The date of Kharavela is a highly controversial one. We may rely upon some clues in the 
Hatigumpha inscription to determine the date of Kharavela. This inscription says that in the 
twelfth year of his reign, Kharavela defeated the Magadhan king Bahasati Mita (Bruhaspati 
Mitra). Mitra was being suffixed by the rulers of the Sunga dynasty which came to power in 
Magadha in 187 B.C. on the break-up of the Mauryan empire and continued to rule upto 40-30 
B.C. The first ruler of this dynasty was Pushya Mitra who ruled from187 B.C. to 151 B.C. Some 
scholars identify Pushya Mitra with Bruhaspati Mitra without proper justification. Pushya Mitra 
was succeeded by his son Agni Mitra, the hero of Kalidas's drama, Malavikagnimitram. After 
Agri Mitra the Sungas became weak. It is probable that Kharavela defeated a later Sunga king, 
bearing the name Bruhaspati Mitra. Therefore, his invasion of Magadha could have taken place 
sometimes after 151 B.C. and before 40 B.C. Another clue of Kharavela's date is the statement in 
the Hatigumpha inscription that in the fifth year of his reign Kharavela renovated a canal which 
had been dug by a Nanda ~ (Nanda Raja) 103 or 300 years (Ti-basa-sata) before. Some scholars