Home > Indian History > History of India > Hathigumpha Inscription
Hathigumpha Inscription
Hathigumpha inscription or "Elephant Cave" inscription was written by Kharavela, king of Klainga during the 2nd century.

Share this Article:

Hathigumpha InscriptionHathigumpha inscription is in Udayagiri, near Bhubaneshwar in Orissa. It consists of seventeen lines that have been carved in deep cut Brahmi letters. It faces the Rock edicts of Ashoka at Dhauli. The inscription is written in Kalinga Brahmi alphabet. This is dated back to the 13th year of Kharavela`s reign.

This inscription is the main source of information regarding the ruler Kharavela. Hathigumpha inscription mentions various conquests of this king, starting with his combat against the Satavahana king Satakarni. It also mentions that Kharavela forced the Indo-Greek king Demetrius to retreat from Rajgir. It also mentions that in the very first year of his coronation he repaired the gate, rampart and structures of the fort of Kalinga which had been damaged by storm. He also built the steps for the cool tanks and laid all gardens at the cost of thirty five hundred thousand.

In the second year he had sent to the west a large army that consisted of horse, elephant, infantry and chariot and with that troop marched up to the river Kanhavemna. Thereafter the channels that had been excavated by king Nanda three hundred years before were allowed to flow into Kalinga through Tanasuli. In the seventh year he was blessed with son. In the 8th year of his reign, he attacked Rajagriha in Magadha and forced the Indo-Greek king Demetrius to go back to Mathura.

In the 12th year he attacked the king of Uttarapatha and brought back the image of Kalinga Jina and the jewels plundered by him from the Kalinga royal palace, along with the treasures of Anga and Magadha. Thereafter he attacks the kingdom of Magadha.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to [email protected]


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.