Some Historical Jaina Kings and Heros

Author(s): Kamtaprasad Jain
Publisher: Jain Mitra Mandal

Page 36

MAHAMEGHAVAHANA KHARAVELA
"Shri Kharavela, Emperor of Kalinga, Arya, Mahameghavahana and Maharaj.... (is) the king of Prosperity (Ksemaraj), the king of Extension (of the empire: Vardharaj), a king to the Bhikkus (Bhikkuraj) and the king of Dharma (Dharmaraj)"
The Hathigumpha Inscription.
In the modern province of Orissa in India there once ruled a powerful line of kings, who were styled Mahameghavahanas and hailed from a family of Raja-Rishis. Among them Kharavela was a famous monarch. Although the details about his parentage are obscure, it is clear that he lost his father when he was a young boy. However, his grandfather who was probably king Chitra, looked after him. He was born about 207 B. C. in the great city of Kalinga, of light brown complexion, with noble and auspicious features and marks of prosperity. For fifteen years he played princely games and was well educated and highly accomplished. He learnt royal correspondence, currency, state accounting, municipal laws, and Dharma injunctions Having learnt all the Vidyas (Arts and Sciences), he ruled for nine years in the office of Yuvaraja (Crown Prince). When Kharavela completed 24