Hathigumpha Inscription, Location, Dynasty, Details Mentioned

Hathigumpha Inscription is an important ancient record describing the life and achievements of King Kharavela of Kalinga. It is carved in a cave in Udayagiri Hills near Bhubaneswar in Odisha. It is written in Prakrit using Brahmi script and consists of seventeen lines. This inscription gives detailed information about political power, military campaigns, administration, religion and society of eastern India during Kharvela.

Hathigumpha Inscription Features

Hathigumpha Inscription provides detailed information about King Kharavela’s reign, including administration, military campaigns, religion, public works and socio-cultural life in ancient Kalinga region.

• Location: The inscription is engraved in Hathigumpha cave at Udayagiri Hills near Bhubaneswar. It is placed on the cave’s overhanging rock surface, making it visible publicly, showing its purpose as a royal proclamation of achievements.
• Authorship and Dynasty: It was issued by King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. He ruled Kalinga in the second century BCE and is considered one of the most prominent rulers of this dynasty.
• Language and Script: The text is written in Prakrit, specifically Ardha-Magadhi, using Brahmi script. This reflects early Indian epigraphic tradition and shows the use of regional spoken language instead of Sanskrit.
• Date and Chronology: Scholars generally place the inscription between second century BCE and first century BCE or early first century CE. Paleographic analysis suggests around 150 BCE as a probable time period.
• Structure of Inscription: It consists of seventeen lines carved across a rock surface of about 15 feet by 5.5 feet. Many sections are damaged, especially middle lines, making interpretation difficult.

Also Read: Chedi Dynasty

Hathigumpha Inscription Details Mentioned

Hathigumpha Inscription is a biographical inscription describing King Kharavela’s life from youth to rule. It includes details of education, coronation, achievements and governance, making it one of the earliest royal autobiographical records.

• Early Life Description: The inscription records that Kharavela was trained in administration, finance, law and military science. He served as Yuvaraja before becoming king at around twenty  four years of age.
• Military Campaigns: It describes campaigns against Magadha, Satakarni, Tamil states and other regions. It also mentions conflicts involving Nanda and Maurya lineages, showing continued importance of Magadha in politics.
• Indo-Greek Reference: The inscription refers to a Yavana king who retreated to Mathura after Kharavela’s campaign.
• Public Works: It highlights construction of canals, reservoirs, roads and gardens. A major canal built by Nanda rulers was extended to the capital.
• Tax Policy: It claims that Kharavela remitted taxes and cesses during his reign.
• Cultural Activities: The inscription mentions music, dance, festivals and performances. Kharavela was skilled in Gandharva Veda.
• Religious Patronage: Kharavela supported Jainism and provided caves for monks at Udayagiri.
• Religious Tolerance: Though a Jain follower, he is described as respectful to all religions. The Hathigumpha Inscription mentions donations to Brahmins and other religious groups, indicating inclusive governance.
• Historical Importance: It mentions rulers like Satakarni and Brihaspatimitra, helping in reconstructing chronology. The use of the term Bharatavarsha is one of the earliest references to the Indian subcontinent.

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