Kharvel

This book, "Kharavela," authored by Sadanand Agarwal and presented by Shrinivas Udgata, published by the Digambar Jain Samaj, is a comprehensive study of the Jain king Kharavela of Kalinga. The book delves into the life, reign, and religious patronage of Kharavela, emphasizing his significant contributions to Jainism and the cultural landscape of ancient India.

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Introduction and Historical Significance: The book begins by highlighting the elevated and crucial position of Kalinga in the history of India, acknowledging its substantial role in archaeology, religion, philosophy, architecture, culture, and literature. The reign of the Jain Maharaja Kharavela is described as a golden age in Indian history. The book emphasizes the importance of the inscriptions found at Udayagiri-Khandagiri near modern Bhubaneswar, particularly the "Hatigumpha Inscription," which is central to understanding Kalinga's history. It notes that this inscription, initially unknown and undecipherable, was first deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837, opening a gateway to Kalinga's past. The text acknowledges the immense efforts of various scholars in deciphering and interpreting this inscription, lamenting the rarity of their works for general readers.

Authors and Collaboration: The book is a result of the research and compilation by Sri Sadananda Agarwal and the presentation by Sri Shrinivas Udgata. Agarwal is recognized for his historical writings and research, having received awards for his work. Udgata, a poet and writer, inspired Agarwal to undertake this project. The publication was facilitated by the Sri Digambar Jain Samaj, Cuttack.

Kharavela's Personal History and Reign:

• Meaning of the Name: The name "Kharavela" is suggested to be a Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word "Kshra-vela," possibly meaning "sea" or "sea-bound land." The book notes that Kharavela consistently used "kh" instead of "ksh" in his inscriptions. Suniti Kumar Chatterji's suggestion of a Dravidian origin and the meaning "dark-bodied" is discussed and debated, with the authors leaning towards an Indian (Aryan) origin for the Chedi dynasty.
• Early Life and Education: Kharavela received a comprehensive education from a young age, excelling in writing, numismatics, mathematics, law, administration, and various other disciplines by the age of fifteen.
• Yuvraj and Coronation: He ascended to the position of Yuvraj (Crown Prince) at fifteen and became Maharaja at twenty-five.
• Reign: The book details Kharavela's reign, citing the Hatigumpha inscription which describes his activities year by year up to his thirteenth year. His reign was marked by military expeditions, administrative reforms, and significant patronage of arts and culture.
• Wives: Kharavela is described as having two queens, referred to as Vajirgharani and Simhapath-rani in inscriptions. The book provides narrative accounts based on artistic depictions in the caves regarding their lives and activities.

Kharavela's Military Achievements (Digvijaya): The book outlines Kharavela's military campaigns, placing them within the context of the political landscape of ancient India.

• Conflict with Satavahanas: Kharavela engaged in military expeditions against the Satavahana king Satakarni in his second regnal year. While initial encounters might not have been decisive, by his fourth year, Kharavela successfully subdued the Satavahana dominion, extending Kalinga's influence from the west coast to the eastern sea.
• Conquest of Magadha: In his eighth regnal year, Kharavela attacked and besieged Rajagriha, the capital of Magadha, and destroyed the Gorathagiri fort. This victory led to the flight of the Yavana king (name unknown) from Mathura.
• Liberation of Jain Sites and Retrieval of Idols: Kharavela's campaigns were often driven by religious motives. He liberated the Jain holy site of Mathura from the Yavanas and brought back a significant Jain idol (Kalingajina) that had been taken to Magadha by the Nandas centuries earlier. This act of retrieving the idol and re-establishing it in Pithunda (Kalinga) was a significant religious and cultural triumph.
• Conquest of South India: In his eleventh regnal year, Kharavela clashed with the Tamil confederacy (Cholas, Pandyas, etc.), which had been formidable for thirteen hundred years. He eventually defeated them, with the Pandya king submitting to him.
• Campaigns in North India: In his twelfth regnal year, he led a large army into Uttarapatha, causing fear among the rulers of that region. He also made the Magadha king Brihaspati Mitra submit to him.
• Overall Impact: Kharavela's military prowess made Kalinga an invincible power, extending its political influence across the Indian subcontinent.

Religious Policy and Patronage:

• Jainism: Kharavela was a devout Jain, and his reign saw a significant revival and patronage of Jainism in Kalinga. The book details his efforts in repairing and constructing Jain caves and monasteries, supporting Jain ascetics, and celebrating Jain festivals. The presence of Jain symbols and inscriptions in the Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves is highlighted as evidence of this patronage. The book discusses the historical presence of Jainism in Kalinga, tracing it back to figures like King Karakandu and the teachings of Mahavira.
• Religious Tolerance: While a staunch Jain, Kharavela was also a patron of other religions. He is described as a sponsor of Brahmanical rituals and the renovation of Brahmanical religious sites. He also showed interest in Buddhism and its developments in Kalinga. This policy of religious tolerance fostered a harmonious atmosphere.

Art and Architecture: The book extensively discusses the rock-cut architecture and sculptural art of Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, attributing much of it to Kharavela's patronage.

• Cave Architecture: The detailed description of various caves like Rani Gumpha, Ganesh Gumpha, Hathigumpha, Ananta Gumpha, Navamuni Gumpha, etc., highlights the architectural styles and craftsmanship of the period. Rani Gumpha, in particular, is noted for its elaborate sculptures depicting scenes from Kharavela's life and court.
• Sculptural Art: The artistic depictions of dancers, musicians, royal processions, animals, and religious motifs are analyzed, showcasing the advanced artistic sensibilities of Kalinga artisans. The book notes the influence of Gandharva Veda (music and dance) on the royal patronage of arts.

Language and Script:

• Language: The language of the Hatigumpha inscription is identified as a developed form of Prakrit, closely related to classical Pali, and is referred to as "Odu-Prakrit." This challenges the notion that Pali originated solely in Magadha.
• Script: The script used is identified as a later form of Brahmi, distinct from Ashokan Brahmi, with some unique letter forms and stylistic developments. The book includes comparative script charts.

Social and Economic Aspects: The book touches upon aspects of social and economic life during Kharavela's reign, including:

• Administration: Information is provided about administrative officials like Mahamad (Prime Minister), Karma Sachiv, Nagar Khadans (City Judge), and Padmulik, as evidenced by inscriptions.
• Economy: The mention of currency (mints), trade with Rome (evidenced by Roman artifacts found in Kalinga), and the importance of ports like Pithunda, Palura, and Tamralipti are discussed.
• Daily Life: Insights into clothing, jewelry, housing, and festivals are gleaned from the cave carvings. The high status of women in society is also noted.

Chronological Debate: The book acknowledges the ongoing debate among historians regarding Kharavela's exact reign period. While some place him in the 3rd or 4th century BCE, the authors, along with many other scholars, argue for the 1st century BCE based on epigraphic and numismatic evidence, particularly his interaction with contemporaneous rulers like the Satavahanas and Brihaspati Mitra.

Appendices and Illustrations: The book includes several appendices containing:

• Minor Brahmi inscriptions found in the caves.
• A discussion on Kharavela's reign period.
• An analysis of art and sculpture during his time.
• A study of the script and language of the Hatigumpha inscription.
• A bibliography.

It also features numerous illustrations of inscriptions, cave carvings, maps, and figures, which greatly aid in understanding the text.

In essence, "Kharavela" is a scholarly yet accessible work that brings to light the remarkable reign of a pivotal Jain monarch, highlighting his military genius, administrative acumen, cultural patronage, and profound influence on the religious and artistic heritage of ancient India, particularly Kalinga.