Understanding the Hathigumpha Inscription

The Hathigumpha inscription is a significant historical record found in the Udayagiri hills, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is one of the most important epigraphic sources for the ancient history of Kalinga. Let's analyze why certain aspects are associated with it.

Hathigumpha Inscription and King Kharavela

The Hathigumpha inscription is primarily known because it is a detailed record of the life and achievements of King Kharavela of Kalinga. This inscription is written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language. It provides a year-by-year account of his reign, military campaigns, administrative works, and cultural activities.

• It is the main source of information about King Kharavela.
• It describes his campaigns against various kingdoms.
• It mentions his public works and welfare activities.

Hathigumpha Inscription and Jainism (Jina Statue Connection)

King Kharavela was a devout follower of Jainism. The Hathigumpha inscription prominently features his patronage of the Jain faith. While a specific "Jina statue" might refer to a particular event mentioned in the inscription, the connection to Jainism and its religious figures is central to Kharavela's described activities.

• The inscription highlights Kharavela's devotion to Jainism.
• It records grants made to Jain monks and repairs done to Jain temples.
• It mentions that Kharavela brought back a Jina image (statue) that had been taken away by a Nanda king previously. This directly links the inscription to the concept of a Jina statue.

Why Other Options are Less Appropriate

Let's consider why the other options are not the primary reasons the Hathigumpha inscription is known:

• (A) Buddhist stupa: The Hathigumpha inscription is associated with King Kharavela, who was a patron of Jainism, not Buddhism. The inscription does not describe a Buddhist stupa as its primary subject.
• (D) Buddhist Monastery: Similar to Buddhist stupas, the inscription focuses on the activities of a Jain king and his patronage of Jainism. Buddhist monasteries are not the main subject described in the Hathigumpha inscription.
• (E) Agrahara: Agrahara refers to a grant of land, usually revenue-free, given to Brahmins or religious institutions. While such grants might be mentioned in historical inscriptions, the Hathigumpha inscription is primarily known for detailing the reign of King Kharavela and his association with Jainism, not specifically for being an Agrahara grant record itself. Its fame stems from the extensive historical narrative it provides about the king and his religious affiliation.

Therefore, the most appropriate reasons the Hathigumpha inscription is known are its connection to King Kharavela and his patronage of Jainism, including the mention of the Jina statue.

Revision Table: Hathigumpha Inscription Facts

Additional Information: King Kharavela and Kalinga

King Kharavela ruled in the 1st century BCE. His kingdom, Kalinga, was a powerful state located in present-day Odisha. The Hathigumpha inscription is invaluable because it is one of the few detailed records from this period in this region. It not only sheds light on Kharavela's reign but also provides insights into the political, social, and religious conditions of ancient Kalinga and surrounding areas.

The inscription highlights the revival of Kalinga's power under Kharavela after its defeat by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. Kharavela is portrayed as a formidable ruler who undertook numerous military campaigns to assert Kalinga's dominance and also dedicated himself to welfare activities and the promotion of Jainism.