Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela and Bhabru Edict of Asoka

Author(s): Shashi Kant
Publisher: D K Print World

Page 99

Epilogue
BEFORE we conclude, it may be added that Khāravela has not mentioned the Mauryas simply because there was no occasion for it and no inferences can be drawn from this omission. He has mentioned the others only in a context where it was found absolutely necessary to do so since his purpose was not to give a detailed chronological history of Kalinga or even of his own dynasty.
The language of the record is Prakrit and the script is Brāhmi. When compared with the records of the Sātavāhanas and other contemporary records, a very curious fact is revealed that 2200 years ago there was no linguistic or scribal controversy in India. This is also the earliest record written in the kāvya style so far discovered.
The variety of information preserved in this record gives it a unique place among the sources of history. Such synchronistic, corroborative and authentic information is yet to be found in an epigraph. The evidence preserved in it may help in clearing quite a few of the historical myths created during the last few decades.
Khāravela is firmly and surely placed on the historical map of India. He was the first historical king from the eastern coast to lead such extensive campaigns, and appears to be a more rightful claimant to the glory that has hitherto been given to Samudragupta who came more than 500 yeas after him, in disregard or ignorance of the data preserved in this record.