[Solved] King Kharavela and the Hathigumpha Inscription

King Kharavela is related to -

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

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

King Kharavela was the greatest ruler of ancient Kalinga, and his legacy is almost entirely preserved through a single monumental rock inscription.

Authentic Source Evidence

Kharavela (Chedi/Meghavahana dynasty) is the author of the 'Hathigumpha' (Elephant Cave) inscription in the Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar. This 17-line record in Prakrit (Brahmi script) provides a year-by-year account of his 13-year reign, including his conquests, canal repairs, and patronage of Jainism.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Hathigumpha is the primary and most comprehensive historical source for the history of Kalinga after Ashoka.

Logic 2: Girnar/Junagarh inscriptions are associated with Rudradaman and Ashoka, not Kharavela.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"In which caves is the Hathigumpha inscription located?"

The Udayagiri caves near Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The inscription provides rare chronological detail, documenting state activities like irrigation and public works in the 2nd century BCE."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Kalinga 6Jainism 5