43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999

Ancient Epigraphy of Eastern India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

King Kharavela is related to -

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Inscriptions serve as the most reliable primary source for reconstructing the history of regional dynasties in ancient India, especially when literary records are scarce.

Explanation King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty is immortalized in the Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave) inscription at the Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Written in Prakrit, it dates between the 2nd and 1st century BCE.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Hathigumpha inscription is a biographical record of Kharavela's 13 years of rule, documenting his military conquests, infrastructure work, and patronage of Jainism.
Logic 2: Girnar and Junagarh inscriptions (Options A and B) are primarily associated with Ashoka, Rudradaman I, and Skandagupta.
Logic 3: The Sarnath inscription (Option D) is famous for Ashoka’s Lion Capital and Buddhist history.

Active Recall

Question

In what language is the Hathigumpha inscription written?

Answer

It is written in the Prakrit language using the Brahmi script.

Core Insight

The inscription is unique because it follows a chronological, year-by-year account of the king's achievements, which is rare in ancient Indian records.