Category : Odisha History

Mahmeghavahana Kharavela

Kharavela was the greatest emperor of Kalinga (present day Odisha). Hatigumpha inscription in Udayagiri is the major source to study about Kharavela.

Kharavela was 3^rd ruler of Chedi dynasty.

Achievements of King Kharavela –

Hatigumpha Inscription gives account of his thirteen years of Reign chronologically. The Achievements of King Kharavela can be divided under two heads –

1. Military Conquests
2. Benevolent Administration

Military Conquests of King Kharavela –

In the second regnal year, Kharavela marched towards Deccan, which was ruled by the Satavahana Dynasty. He gave a befitting defeat to King Satakarni-I of Satavahana Dynasty.

In his fourth regnal year he again marched toward Deccan, this time he defeated Rathikas and Bhojakas.

In his eighth regnal year he led an expedition to North and attacked Rajagriha and devastated Gorathagiri.

In his eleventh regnal year he fought war against Tamil Confederacy consisting of Cholas, Pandyas, Keraliputras, Satyaputras & Tamraparni . Kharavela won the war and destroyed this confederacy.

In his twelfth regnal year he led campaign towards north- west where he defeated Indo - Greeks and in North he defeated the Kings of Anga & Magadha.

As a benevolent King and good administrator –

In the very first year of his reign, he rebuilt his capital city Kalinganagari after it was damaged by a devastating Cyclone.

After winning series of battles and bring lots of jewels to his kingdom, he remitted taxes in both rural and urban areas.

He repaired and extended a canal (built by Nanda King) from Tansulia to Kalinganagari for irrigation.

He distributed wealth among Brahmins and Arhats. He also constructed ‘Great Victory Palace’ Mahavijaya Prasadam to commemorate his victory over various powerful kingdoms.

 Cultural Achievements under King Kharavela –

In his military campaign against Magadha he was victorious and brought back the Pride of Kaling – the Kalinga Jina Trophy (which was taken by Mahapadmananda about 300 years ago).

He was a Jain. In his thirteen regnal year, he built 117 caves at Kumari Parvata (Udayagiri) for Jaina Monks. Buddhist Monks and Arhats were also given resting places in these caves.

Caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri contain paintings of Jaina Tirthankaras, trees, creepers, images of Royal servants were also painted.  

He revived the art and architecture of ancient Kalinga – Mukhiya Kala.