Early History of Orissa

SR No.: 006922
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Amarchand Mittal
Publisher: Jain Cultural Research Society
Publication Year: 1957
Total Pages: 506
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

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AN EARLY HISTORY OF ORISSA
mances as well as festivities and merry gatherings. As a king, he did his level best to work and strain all his resources for the good and happiness of his subjects.
Khāravela maintained the noble tradition of Asoka as a successful builder of such sacred and artistic monuments as rock-cut caves, stone pillars, shrines and ornamented shrine posts. In the same way, much like Asoka, he honoured and favoured all religious sects. He was a Jaina by faith but was tolerant towards people professing faith in other religions. He showed respect to all by giving them large amounts in charity and by repairing the temples of all gods. Respectful to the former dynasties and the former kings of Kalinga, Khāravela rehabilitated and maintained their honour. In this respect, as a ruler and as a human being, he stands superior to Asoka who men. tioned former kings only to stress his greatness. .: In more than one respect, Khāravela was also a precursor of the Imperial Guptas. He stands well in comparison with Samudra Gupta through his warrior-like spirit, valour and victories. As an expert in the science of music (Gandhava-veda-budha) and a patron of fine arts, he played well the role of a forerunner of the Gupta monarchs. From the chronological point of view too he stood just midway Asoka on the one side and Samudra Gupta on the other. In respect of its style and contents, his inscription in the Hāthigumphā must be accorded a similar intermediate position between the notable Inscriptions of Asoka and the Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudra Gupta.
Resumé
It cannot be doubtel, therefore, that the sun of the royal power of Kalinga reached the zenith during the reign of Khāravela, though the light which dazzled the eyes