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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
176
OLD BRĀHMI INSCRIPTIONS
inscription as well for a general record of all the architectural construotions done during Kbāravela's reign and under his auspices. This is again not all. This inscription presents a systematic record of all the notable achievements of Khāravela, including all the works of art andil architecture done under his auspices. And this, too, will be but an imperfect and inaccurate characterisation of the contents of this inscription.
The Hatbi-Gumpha inscription appears to be a systematic record of K bāravela's personal history and successive achievements. The recorded facts are presented in the garb of an autobiographical sketch. The concluding paragraph is so designed as to make the record appear as closed with the name of King Khāravela-siri, that is, to create the impression that the record is written and signed by the king with his own hand. The invocation formula with which the record begins is meant to indicate the nature of the religious faith of the king.
The opening statement contains a succinct account of how King Khāravela spent the first twenty-four years of his life, the first fifteen years as a young prince and the remaining nine years as a crown-prince, previous to bis installation in the throne of Kalinga, which took place after he had completed his twenty-fourth year. Here certain relevant details are given as to the physical feat ires and other kingly qualities of Khāravela, the name of the royal family of which he was the scion, and the useful sciences and arts in which he acquired proficiency.
This is followed by the first year's record containing an account of how, in the very first year of his reign, King Khāravela undertook to repair the capital of Kalinga, and to do all in order to please bis subjects. The record expressly mentions the large amount of money spent by the king to do this work.
The second year's record contains an account of how the king, in the second year of his reign, defied King Sātakarni in marching towards the western quarter with a large army to attack the city of Asvaka or Rşika.
The third year's record contains an account of how the king, in the third year of his reign, entertained the city of Kalinga with musical performances and general feasts and festivities.
The fourth year's record contains an account of how the king, in the fourth year of his reign, consolidated his rule in Arakatapura or some other place which was inhabited by the Vidyādharas, an aboriginal race of men,
The fifth year's record contains an account of how the king, in the fifth year of his reign, facilitated communication by effecting an extension
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