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

Page 350

CONQUESTS OF KHĀRAVELA 325 Bhojakas, according to the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa,' had a non-monarchical constitution peculiar to themselves. In his Inscription, Khāravela mentions the leaders of the Rāshțrikas and the Bhojakas. All these leaders had the paraphernalia of rulers it appears, as their umbrellas (chhatras) and golden vases (bhringāras) were broken by Khāravela.
From the west, Khāravela now turned his attention to the north. The record of the eighth year states that "He (Khāravela), with a large army, having sacked Goradhagiri, causes pressure on Rājagaha. On account of the loud report of this act of valour, the Yavana king Dimita retreated to Mathurā having extricated his demoralised army and transport...”.3 So in the eighth year of his reign, Khāravela destroyed Goradhagiri, a
1. VIII, 14,
2. B. C. Law points out that in the Hathigumphā inscription of Khāravela, the Rathikas and the Bhojakas are introduced in such a manner as to leave no room for doubt that they were ruling chiefs of the Vidyādhara settlemonts. (India As Described in the Early Texts of Buddbism and Jainism, pp. 106f).
3. Original :-'Alhame chu vase mahatà sena....goradha-girim ghātā payiti rūjagahań upapida payati, Etina cha kam padūna sań nadena.. sena-vähena vipamuchitur madhuram apayato yavana-rājam dimita..."
Lines 7 & 8. 4. Goradbagiri is no doubt the ancient name of the modern Brabar hills in the Gaya district of Bihar Pradesh. An inscription giving the name correctly as "Gorathagiri' has been discovered by Messers V. 1, Jackson and Russell on the boulders near the top (JBORS, Vol. I, p. 159; also Patna College Magazine, 1913). Jackson has also described the immense fortifications on the hill top (J BORS, Vol. III, p. 469). The place was an important outpost on the western flank of the ancient capital of Magadha, Girivraja or Rājagriha. It is mentioned in the Mahābhārata during the description of the route of Bhima and Krishna to Girivraja (Qtd. JBORS, Vol. I, pp. 160f).
It is mentioned in the Jaina literature too as a hill (Nisitha. Churņi, p. 18. M88). Refer also The Geographical Dictionary by N. L Dey, p. 71 ; J. C. Jain, LAI, p. 286.