Kaling Chakravarti Maharaja Kharwel

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Kaling Chakravarti Maharaja Kharwel" by Kashiprasad Jaiswal, based on the scanned pages:

This book is a detailed study of the Kalinga Emperor Kharwel, a significant figure in Jain history. The introductory pages (pages 1-3) establish the importance of Kharwel as a great patron of Jainism. It notes that while figures like Samprati and Kumarpal are more widely known within the Jain community, Kharwel's prominence stems from the discovery of the Hathigumpha inscription, which revealed his glorious reign after more than two thousand years. The author, Kashiprasad Jaiswal, aims to present a historical analysis of Kharwel, clarifying his identity as a Jain king, dispelling earlier misconceptions that he was a Buddhist, and highlighting his role in revitalizing Kalinga. The book is presented as a result of extensive study of historical texts and inscriptions, aiming to shed light on Jain history and provide valuable resources for Indian historians.

Key Themes and Content Areas:

• Kharwel's Jain Identity: The text strongly asserts that Kharwel was a Jain king, citing the findings of the Archaeological Survey from inscriptions. This contrasts with earlier beliefs held by some that he was a follower of Buddhism.
• Kharwel's Reign and Achievements: The book details Kharwel's achievements as a powerful ruler who revived the Kalinga empire. It emphasizes his efforts in the reconstruction and revitalization of Kalinga, which had been devastated.
• Historical Context of Kalinga: The text places Kharwel within the broader historical context of India, discussing the political landscape from the time of Bimbisara, the Nanda dynasty, and the Mauryan empire, particularly the impact of Ashoka's conquest of Kalinga.
• The Kalinga War and its Aftermath: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the Kalinga War initiated by Emperor Ashoka. It describes the immense destruction and loss of life, and how this event profoundly impacted Ashoka, leading him to embrace Buddhism and preach peace. The author suggests that Kalinga's devastation was superficial, and the embers of pride and love for freedom continued to burn, eventually leading to its revival under Kharwel.
• Kharwel as a "Bhikhu Raj" (Monk-King): The book explores Kharwel's dual nature as a warrior and a devout Jain. It highlights his renunciation and self-control, underlying a spirit of joyous exuberance, which he used to bring new life to Kalinga. He is remembered as a national hero, a reviver of a devastated region, and a king who balanced passion with restraint.
• The Hathigumpha Inscription: A significant part of the book is a detailed analysis of the Hathigumpha inscription, located in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in Odisha. The text discusses the challenges in deciphering the inscription due to its worn-out state, the contributions of various scholars in its interpretation (Paulin, Prinsep, Rajendralal Mitra, Cunningham, Bhagvanlal Indraji), and the author's own meticulous efforts in its translation and commentary. The inscription itself is presented in Prakrit, with Sanskrit and Gujarati translations.
• Kharwel's Military Campaigns and Diplomacy: The inscription and the author's analysis detail Kharwel's military expeditions, including his campaigns against Magadha (including forcing the Magadhan king Brihaspati Mitra to submission and reaching the palace of Chandragupta Maurya), his confrontation with the Greek king Demetrius, and his interactions with rulers in Western India and beyond.
• Jainism's Prominence in Kalinga: The text underscores the strong Jain presence in Kalinga during Kharwel's time. It mentions the worship of Jin idols, the reverence for Jain traditions, and the establishment of Jain monasteries and temples. Kharwel's patronage extended to the revival of certain aspects of Jain scripture, possibly related to the Angas.
• Comparison with other Rulers: Kharwel's reign is implicitly or explicitly compared with other significant Indian rulers like Ashoka, Chandragupta Maurya, and the Nandas, highlighting the unique aspects of his rule and his contribution to Jain and Indian history.
• The Author's Approach: Kashiprasad Jaiswal emphasizes that he is not making new archaeological discoveries but rather building upon the work of previous scholars. He aims to present a balanced portrayal of Kalinga and its ruler, acknowledging the use of imagination where historical records are sparse but always staying true to the core facts.
• The Structure of the Book: The book is structured with an introduction, detailed descriptions of the inscription, historical context (covering various dynasties and events), analysis of Kharwel's actions, and the inscription's text with translations.

Key Takeaways from the Content:

• Kharwel as a pivotal figure: He is presented as a king who not only restored Kalinga but also played a crucial role in the political and religious landscape of ancient India, particularly for Jainism.
• The Hathigumpha inscription as a primary source: The book's reliance on and detailed explanation of this inscription highlight its immense historical value.
• Jainism's influence in ancient India: The text demonstrates the significant presence and patronage of Jainism during Kharwel's reign, contributing to the understanding of Jainism's historical trajectory.
• A nuanced view of historical figures: The author aims to provide a scholarly and analytical perspective on Kharwel, moving beyond simplistic classifications and exploring the complexities of his life and rule.
• The author's dedication to historical research: The detailed scholarly apparatus and the extensive referencing suggest a deep commitment to uncovering and presenting historical truth.

In essence, the book "Kaling Chakravarti Maharaja Kharwel" by Kashiprasad Jaiswal is a monumental work that reconstructs the life and times of a significant Jain ruler through the lens of epigraphy and historical analysis, placing him firmly within the broader narrative of ancient Indian history.