File:Map of the Maha-Meghavahanas-min.png

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Importing well cited map on Mahameghvahanas Empire by wiki-common user पाटलिपुत्र , Licence :Public Domain( https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_the_Maha-Meghavahanas.png )


This map based on Hathigumpha inscription of Kharvela.

Inscription[edit | edit source]

The seventeen lines of the inscription has been variously translated by many. The translation published by Jayaswal and Banerji in Epigraphia Indica Volume 20 (public domain), with alternate readings by other scholars, is as follows:[1]

Hathigumpha inscription
Lines Translation
(Jayaswal and Banerji)[1] 		Notes
L1

Salutation to the Arhats [Jinas]. Salutation to all the Siddhas.
By illustrious Kharavela, the Aira (Aila), the Great King, the descendant of
Mahameghavahana, the increaser (of the glory) of the Cheti (Chedi) dynasty,
(endowed) with excellent and auspicious marks and features,
possessed of virtues which have reached (the ends of) the four quarters,
overlord of Kalinga,

The opening dedication (Namokar Mantra) and other lines confirm that Jainism was well established in Kalinga, and that this is a Jaina inscription. It mentions the ancient Chedi dynasty of Greater India.[1] Barua interprets the lengths of lines differently; to him, L1 and L2 are the first line.[2]
L2

for fifteen years, with a body ruddy and handsome were played youthsome sport;
after that (by him who) had mastered (royal) correspondence, currency,
finance, civil and religious laws (and) who had become well-versed in all (branches) of learning,
for nine years (the office of) Yuvaraja (heir apparent) was administered.
Having completed the twenty-fourth year, at that time,
(he) who had been prosperous (vardhamana) since his infancy(?)
and who (was destined) to have wide conquests as those of Vena,

This corresponds to the stages of life described in Brihaspati Sutra, where first 25 years are student's youthful life, thereafter comes manhood with household-social responsibilities.[1] Barua translates the five skills learnt by the crown prince as "writing, coinage, account, administration and procedures".[3]
L3

then in the state of manhood, obtains the imperial (maharajya) coronation
in the dynasty of Kalinga. As soon as he is anointed,
in the first (regnal) year (he) causes repairs of the gates,
the walls and the buildings (of the city), (which had been) damaged by storm;
in the city of Kalinga (he) causes the erection of the embankments of the lake (called after)
Khibira Rishi, (and) of (other) tanks and cisterns,
(also) the restoration of all the gardens (he) causes to be

A list of public works and infrastructure projects completed at state's expense (see Line 4).[1]
L4

done at (the cost of) thirty-five-hundred-thousands,
and (he) gratifies the People. And in the second year (he),
disregarding Satakamni, despatches to the western regions an army strong in cavalry,
elephants, infantry (nara) and chariots (ratha) and
by that army having reached the Kanha-bemna, he throws the city of the Musikas
into consternation. Again in the third year,

The first war with Satakamni, with a list of military regiments in ancient India[4]
L5

(he) versed in the science of the Gandharvas (i.e., music),
entertains the capital with the exhibition of dapa, dancing, singing and instrumental music
and by causing to be held festivities and assemblies (samajas);
similarly in the fourth year, 'the Abode of Vidyadharas' built by the former
Kalingan king(s), which had not been damaged before (...lost...)
with their coronets rendered meaningless, with their helmets (?) (bilma)
cut in twain (?), and with their umbrellas and

A list of arts and culture in ancient India;[4] it is unclear what dapa was, but much later texts suggest a form of stage acting by small moving teams.[4] However, Barua reads "dampa", and translates it to "combat" (sort of wrestling).[3]
L6

bhingaras cast away, deprived of their
jewels (i.e., ratana, Skt. ratna, precious objects) all the
Rathikas and Bhojakas (he) causes to bow down at his feet.
Now in the fifth year he brings into the capital from the road of
Tansauliya the canal excavated in the year one hundred-and-three of King Nanda
(... lost ...) Having been (re-)anointed (he while) celebrating
the Rajasuya, remits all tithes and cesses,

Another major public water infrastructure project, plus tax exemptions[4] According to Barua, this water canal project extended a previously dug canal; it brought water to Kalinga capital, and helps dates king Nanda to 103 years before the fifth year of Kharavela reign. He adds that it can also be read a bit differently and then it would be 300 years earlier.[5] Sircar agrees with Barua, then adds that it must be 300 years as the Nanda dynasty was overthrown by 326 BCE, and Kharavela is definitely not from the 3rd-century BCE.[6]
L7

bestows many privileges (amounting to) hundreds of thousands
or the City-Corporation and the Realm-Corporation. In the seventh year of his reign,
his famous wife of Vajiraghara obtained the dignity of auspicious motherhood
(... lost ...). Then in the eighth year, (he) with a large army having
sacked Goradhagiri

a child is born to his wife and him;[4] According to Sircar, this ink impression and reading is doubtful and Kharavela's wife from Vajiragraha family is problematic and unlikely. Similarly the alleged achievements of Kharavela here are problematic and doubtful, states Sircar.[7]
L8

causes pressure on Rajagaha (Rajagriha). On account of the loud
report of this act of valour, the Yavana (Greek) King Dimi[ta] retreated to Mathura
having extricated his demoralized army and transport (... lost ...).
(He) gives (... lost ...) with foliage

a mention of Greek rule and claims of their retreat to Mathura;[4] Scholars debate on whether this refers to Demetrios of Bactria, though it most likely references another Indo-Greek ruler[8]
L9

Kalpa (wish-fulfilling) trees, elephants,
chariots with their drivers, houses, residences and resthouses.
And to make all these acceptable (he) gives at a fire sacrifice (?)
exemption (from taxes) to the caste of Brahmins.
Of Arhat (... lost ...)

mention he performing a yajna ritual from the Vedas, in the context of Brahmins[4] Barua also reads Brahmins, and interprets this portion as Kharavela showing equal respect and favors to Jain monks and Brahmins.[9] According to Sircar, the word varna here was incorrectly translated as caste, because given the context, it is a form of description for recluses and teacher (Barua's monks and Brahmins). He also adds that a Jain king would not be expected to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice, and assumes that the scribe must have intended a different similar word with the meaning "royal fortune".[10]
L10

(... lost ...)(He) causes to be built . . . . a royal
residence (called) the Palace of Great Victory (Mahavijaya) at the cost
of thirty-eight hundred thousands. And in the tenth year (he), following
(the threefold policy) of chastisement, alliance and conciliation sends out
an expedition against Bharatavasa (and) brings about the conquest of the
land (or, country) (... lost ...) and obtains jewels and precious things of the
(kings) attacked.

another claim of war and conquest[4] However, Sircar doubts that this part is being accurately read.[11]
L11

(... lost ...) And the market-town (?) Pithumda founded by
the Ava King he ploughs down with a plough of asses; and (he) thoroughly breaks
up the confederacy of the T[r]amira (Dramira) countries of one hundred and
thirteen years, which has been a source of danger to (his) Country (Janapada).
And in the twelfth year he terrifies the kings of the Utarapatha with
(... lost ...) thousands of

breaks up the confederacy of Tamil kings, later a victory over Utarapatha (northwest);[4]
L12

(... lost ...) And causing panic amongst the people of Magadha
(he) drives (his) elephants into the Sugamgiya (Palace), and (he) makes the
King of Magadha, Bahasatimita, bow at his feet. And (he) sets up (the image)
'the Jina of Kalinga' which had been taken away by King Nanda (... lost ...) and
causes to be brought home the riches of Amga and Magadha along with
the keepers of the family jewels of (... lost ...)

Victory over Magadha, sets up an image of Jina of Kalinga, previously taken away by King Nanda[12] Barua reads the "honored seat of Jina" which was taken away by king Nanda to be brought back to Kalinga in a royal procession.[13] According to Sircar, the readings here linking to Purhyamitra Sunga is doubtful and chronologically not possible.[14]
L13

(... lost ...) (He) builds excellent towers with carved
interiors and creates a settlement of a hundred masons, giving them exemption from
land revenue. And a wonderful and marvellous enclosure of stockade for
driving in the elephants (he)(... lost ...) and horses, elephants, jewels and rubies
as well as numerous pearls in hundreds (he) causes to be brought here
from the Pandya King.

sets up a school of masons (artisans and architects) and builds carved towers, gains wealth from the Pandyas.[12] According to Barua, this portion states that Kharavela set up streets, gates and temples, and "one hundred Vasukis (dragon chiefs) sent him precious stones, rare and wonderful elephants, horses and such animals". Pandya king sent him gifts of clothes and ornaments.[15]
L14

(... lost ...).(he) subjugates. In the thirteenth year,
on the Kumari Hill where the Wheel of Conquest had been well-revolved
(i.e., the religion of Jina had been preached), (he) offers respectfully
royal maintenances, China clothes (silks) and white clothes to (the monks)
who (by their austerities) have extinguished the round of lives, the preachers
on the religious life and conduct at the Relic Memorial. By Kharavela,
the illustrious, a layman devoted to worship,
is realised (the nature of) jiva and deha

donations to monks and preachers in pursuit of soul and body[12]
L15

(... lost ...)bringing about a Council of the wise ascetics and sages,
from hundred (i.e., all) quarters, the monks (samanas) of good deeds and
who have fully followed (the injunctions) (... lost ...)
near the Relic Depository of the Arhat, on the top of the hill,
(... lost ...) with stones (... lost ...) brought from
many miles (yojanas) quarried from excellent mines (he builds)
shelters for the Sinhapatha Queen Sindhula. (... lost ...)

sets up a council of advisors consisting of ascetics and sages from different parts of ancient India[12]
L16

(... lost ...)Patalaka(?)………(he) sets up four columns
inlaid with beryl (... lost ...) at the cost of twenty-five hundred thousands;
(he) causes to be compiled expeditiously the (text) of the seven-fold Angas
of the sixty-four (letters). He is the King of Peace, the King of Prosperity,
the King of Monks (bhikshus), the King of Religion (Dharma), who has been seeing,
hearing and realising blessings (kalyanas)-

mentions 7 angas and 64 lipis[12]
L17

(... lost ...) accomplished in extraordinary virtues,
respector of every sect, the repairer of all temples, one whose chariot and army are
irresistible, one whose empire is protected by the chief of the
empire (himself), descended from the family of the Royal Sage Vasu,
the Great conqueror, the King, the illustrious Kharavela.

mention of respect for all religions, patron of all temples, and the closing praise of the king.[12]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 K P Jayaswal; R D Banerji (1920). Epigraphia Indica Volume XX. Archaeological Survey of India. pp. 83–89 with footnotes., Error creating thumbnail: File missing This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ↑ B Barua 1929, pp. 40–41, for his rationale, see footnote 6 on pages 41–42.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 B Barua 1929, pp. 40–41.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 K P Jayaswal; R D Banerji (1920). Epigraphia Indica Volume XX. Archaeological Survey of India. pp. 86–89 with footnotes., Error creating thumbnail: File missing This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  5. ↑ B Barua 1929, pp. 42–43 with footnotes.
  6. ↑ D. Sircar (1965), Select Inscriptions Volume 1, Calcutta University Press, page 215 footnote 7
  7. ↑ D. Sircar (1965), Select Inscriptions Volume 1, Calcutta University Press, page 216 footnotes 1 and 3
  8. ↑ D. Sircar (1965), Select Inscriptions Volume 1, Calcutta University Press, page 216 footnote 5
  9. ↑ B Barua 1929, pp. 43–44 with footnotes.
  10. ↑ D. Sircar (1965), Select Inscriptions Volume 1, Calcutta University Press, page 215 footnotes 8 and 9
  11. ↑ D. Sircar (1965), Select Inscriptions Volume 1, Calcutta University Press, page 216 footnotes 6–13
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 K P Jayaswal; R D Banerji (1920). Epigraphia Indica Volume XX. Archaeological Survey of India. pp. 87–89 with footnotes., Error creating thumbnail: File missing This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  13. ↑ B Barua 1929, pp. 44–45 with footnotes.
  14. ↑ D. Sircar (1965), Select Inscriptions Volume 1, Calcutta University Press, page 217 with footnotes
  15. ↑ B Barua 1929, pp. 45–46 with footnotes.

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