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 360

KHĀRAVELA'S ADMINISTRATION
335
methods of Indian kings to please his subjects. For instance, in the very first year of his reign, he undertook to repair the capital city of Kalinga which had been damaged by storm. He repaired the gates, the walls and the buildings, erected the embankments and excavated tanks of cool water and restored all gardens. In this, he spent thirty-five hundred thousand pieces of money and thus gratified his people. The third year's record goes to show that he entertained the citizens of the capital city by musical performances, festivities and merry gatherings. In the sixth year of his reign, we are told that Khāra vela showed a great favour to the people of Para and Janapada by remitting all taxes and duties. In this way, Khāravela, in all probability, adopted the policy of pleasing his people from time to time for gaining popularity and ultimately their support for the smooth running of the administration.
The Hāthigumphā inscription does not help us in tracing details of the administrative machinery of Khāravela's government. Dr. Barua' has found a reference in the fourteenth line of the inscription, to the royal servants (rājabhataka) as co-operating with Khāravela in excavating caves for Jaina saints. In the eighth regnal year's record too he has come across a reference to royal servants.
1. Original : "Abhisitamato cha padhame Vase vātavihata-gopurapākāra-nivesanam pațisamkhārayati kaliiganagarikhibira sitala-tadāga. pädiyo cha vandhapayati savīyāna pațisanthapanain cha kārayati panati sābi sata sabasebi pakatiyo cha rañjayati.” (Lines 3 and 4.)
2. Original "Tatiye puna vase gandhava.veda budho da pa nata gita. vādita calidasanābi usava-samīja-kirāpanāhi cha kīdāpayati nagarim."
Lines 4 & 5. 3. Criginal : "Abhisito cha chhate vase rājaseyam sandarisayanto savakara-vana anugaha-anekāni sata-salasāni visajati pora jānapada.”
Lines 6 & 7. 4. OBI, p. 256.