Aira Maharaja Mahameghavahana Kharavela was one of the greatest kings of ancient India. He was the first great historical monarch of ancient Kalinga who belonged to the soil, and styled himself as Chetaraja-Vamsa Vardhana, and Kalingadhipati. His personality is known from the Hatigumpha Inscription. It says that he possessed many auspicious signs on his body, was gifted with many qualities, [...]
Unlike Emperor Asoka who became a convert to Buddhism after the Kalinga War, Emperor Kharavela was a born Jaina. Most likely, the Chedi Kings of Kalinga were the devout followers of Jainism. Therefore, right from the beginning of his rule, Kharavela became a patron of Jainism and did whatever he could to promote the cause of that religion. A devout [...]
The brief reign of Kharavela was like a landmark of Orissa history. Recorded in the Hatigumpha Inscription with religious symbols, the account of that reign has been acknowledged as sacred and truthful. It speaks of a monarch who was one of the most fascinating figures of ancient history. His estimate rests on his contributions to the history of Kalinga and [...]