The Hathigumpha Inscription: The Magna Carta of Odishan History
Q: The Hathigumpha Rock Inscription
The Hathigumpha Inscription, located in the Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar, is a 17-line lithic record in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. Dated to the 1st century BCE, it provides a biographical account of the third ruler of the Chedi (Mahameghavahana) dynasty, Emperor Kharavela.
Historian N.K. Sahu describes this inscription as the primary source for reconstructing the history of Kalinga after the Mauryas. Its salient features include:
- Military Achievements: The inscription chronologically details Kharavela's digvijaya (conquests). It mentions his expeditions against the Satavahanas (Satakarni), the Rathikas and Bhojakas, and his victory over the Magadhan King (Bahasatimitra), from whom he recovered the Kalinga Jina idol.
- Public Welfare: It records the extension of a canal built by the Nandas 300 years earlier into the capital, Kalinganagara. This highlights the state's focus on irrigation and agriculture.
- Religious Patronage: Though a devout Jaina, Kharavela is described as a Sava-pasanda-pujaka (worshipper of all sects). He excavated caves for Jaina ascetics at Udayagiri and Khandagiri.
The inscription is unique for its secular tone and its detailed mention of music, dance, and the renovation of the Great Victory Palace (Mahavijaya Pasada).
In conclusion, the Hathigumpha Inscription is an unrivaled historical document that rescued Kharavela from oblivion. It establishes Kalinga as a trans-regional power in ancient India. For OPSC aspirants, it serves as the foundational text for understanding the political and cultural identity of ancient Odisha.