Reconstructing the Mahameghavahana Legacy based on Epigraphic Insights:
A Historical Study of the Chedis of Odisha By Cdr Alok Mohan
1. The Chedis of Odisha. Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga. The term “chedis” typically refers to Buddhist stupas or monuments. Orissa, now known as Odisha, has a rich history of Buddhism, and there are several notable chedis in the region. One of the most significant Buddhist sites in Odisha is the Dhauli Stupa, which is associated with the ancient Kalinga region. The Dhauli Stupa is a Buddhist stupa located near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India. It is believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE after the Kalinga War.
The term “Chedis” in the context of Odisha refers to the Mahameghavahana dynasty—believed to be a branch of the ancient Chedi mahājanapada—that established dominion in Kalinga following Mauryan decline. Their most renowned ruler, King Kharavela, is chronicled in the celebrated Hathigumpha inscription, while other minor inscriptions—including those in the Mancapuri (Manchapuri) cave—record contributions of royal figures like Vakradeva and Kumara Vadukha. The Velpuru inscription, found in Andhra Pradesh, mentions Aira Maharaja Manasada of the same dynasty (c. 1st–2nd century CE)
2. Abstract
This study examines the rise and rule of the Mahameghavahana dynasty—also known as the Chedi dynasty branch—in ancient Kalinga (modern Odisha), using key epigraphic evidence: the Hathigumpha inscription of Emperor Kharavela, and associated cave‑inscriptions attributed to his chief queen, Vakradeva, Kumara Vadukha, and others, plus the Velpuru inscription of Aira Manasada. Inscriptions reveal the dynasty’s political, religious, architectural, and administrative contributions, chiefly during the rule of Kharavela (c. 1st century BCE). The paper discusses these records in historical context, developing an integrated understanding of dynastic legacy.
3. Historical Background: Chedi and Mahameghavahana Rule
The Chedi kingdom existed in central India during the Mahajanapada era. Following the collapse of the Mauryan Empire, a branch under the name Mahameghavahana rose to power in Kalinga (modern Odisha), likely in the 1st century BCE . They expanded to include South Kosala under Kharavela, who patronized Jainism without persecuting other faiths. After the rule of Gautamiputra Satakarni (Satavahana) displaced them in the early 2nd century CE, Meghas resumed control of South Kosala later in the 2nd–3rd centuries CE, until Samudragupta annexed the region during his southern campaign.
4. A Summary Note
The Mahameghavahana dynasty, a prominent Chedi lineage in ancient India, established a powerful rule in Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) after the decline of the Mauryan Empire. Their rule is most vividly remembered through the exploits of their greatest monarch, Maharaja Kharavela, whose achievements are immortalized in the Hathigumpha inscription.
5. Origins and Rise
The dynasty claimed descent from the legendary Chedi king Uparichara Vasu, linking their ancestry to the lunar race (Aira or Arya lineage).
Following the Mauryan decline, they emerged as sovereigns in Kalinga and South Kosala, establishing a culturally vibrant and militarily assertive polity.
6. Religious and Cultural Patronage
The dynasty, particularly under Kharavela, championed Jainism while respecting all other sects. They are credited with carving out the Udayagiri–Khandagiri caves, remarkable for their architectural ingenuity and spiritual significance. The Queen’s Palace Cave, Ganeshagumpha, and Ananta Cave feature elaborate sculptures reflecting a flourishing artistic era.
The Hathigumpha inscription, etched in early Brahmi script and Prakrit language, offers a detailed chronological account of Kharavela’s 13-year reign.
7..Hathigumpha Inscription Highlights
Begins with a Jain invocation (Namokar Mantra), establishing Kharavela’s Jain faith. Chronicles Kharavela’s:
Public welfare projects: restoration of Kalinga Nagari, construction of canals, lakes, gardens.
Military campaigns against Satakarni (Satavahana), Greek king Demetrius, and Magadha’s Brihaspatimitra.
Retrieval of the Jina idol taken centuries earlier by the Nandas.
Patronage of arts, festivals, temple restoration, and cave shelters for Jain monks.
Declares him a Chakravarti (Universal Emperor), emphasizing his political and spiritual stature.
8. Other Epigraphic Evidences
Manchapuri Cave Inscriptions:
Vakradeva, a successor and scion of Mahameghavahana family, is mentioned.
Queen of Kharavela constructed a cave dwelling for Jain monks, affirming female patronage and royal involvement in religious philanthropy.
Prince Vadukha, possibly a royal heir, also contributed to cave donations.
Velpuru Inscription (Andhra Pradesh):
Records Aira Maharaja Manasada, son of Hariti, likely a later descendant of the Mahameghavahana line.
Highlights the continuation of Aira (Arya) naming and distinct royal identity separate from the Satavahanas.
Demonstrates cultural-political continuity into South Kosala and Andhra, even during Satavahana ascendancy.
9. Historical Interpretation
The term “chedi”, while often referring to Buddhist stupas, here also implies the Chedi dynasty, blending political authority with cultural-religious connotation.
Kharavela’s assertion of ancestral rights, reclamation of sacred artifacts, and construction of infrastructure reveal a king deeply invested in reviving Kalinga’s heritage.
His reign symbolizes a resurgence of regional power, balanced between military ambition and spiritual service.
10. Legacy
The Mahameghavahana rulers, especially Kharavela, left behind a legacy of imperial vigor, architectural brilliance, and religious harmony.
Their inscriptions, caves, and urban works continue to be vital sources for reconstructing Odisha’s early history.
As upāsaka kings, they not only fortified Kalinga but also served as protectors of Jainism, patrons of the arts, and symbols of ethical governance.
This summary encapsulates the scholarly and archaeological essence of the Mahameghavahana Chedis of Odisha and serves as a tribute to their enduring imprint on Indian civilization.
11. The Hathigumpha Cave Inscription of Kharavela
11.1 Description & Location
Found on the overhanging brow and ceiling of Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave) in the Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar, it consists of seventeen lines in Brahmi script, composed in a regional Prakrit variant (sometimes called Odra Prakrit), commencing with a Jain Namokar Mantra.
11.2 Content & Significance
The Hathigumpha inscription is unique in ancient India for providing year‑wise achievements of a king—covering Kharavela’s early life, education, public works, military campaigns (westwards against Musikas), restoration of Jain religious status, temple repair, and patronage of arts and festivals with music and assembly.
It presents Kharavela as a multifaceted monarch—he mastered writing, mathematics, law, coins, governance—and enacted benevolent policies such as granting land exemptions to masons and providing textiles to Jain monks (Wikipedia). The inscription serves as both a political chronicle and a prashasti (eulogy) in Prakrit, remarkably significant for Odisha’s ancient history.
12. Minor Cave Inscriptions at Udayagiri / Khandagiri
12.1 Mancapuri Cave Inscription of the Chief Queen (Vakradeva)
Engraved in the upper storey of Mancapuri (Mancapuri/Manchapuri cave), this inscription records that the temple for Arahats and cave for sramanas of Kalinga was constructed by the chief queen of illustrious Kharavela, daughter of King Lalaka (grandson of Hastisaha) (Wikipedia).
12.2 Lower‑Storey Inscriptions: Vakradeva and Kumara Vadukha
Lower storey inscriptions name Vakradeva and Prince Vadukha as donors to separate cave chambers. Vakradeva is presumably Kharavela’s successor, and Vadukha a prince whose exact identity remains obscure (Jain Literature).
12.3 Summary of Minor Records
These minor inscriptions collectively illuminate the dynasty’s religious patronage—especially support for Jain monks—and indicate royal family members continued cave‑construction and patronage after Kharavela’s reign (Wikipedia).
13. Velpuru Inscription of Aira Manasada (c. 1st half 2nd century CE)
Documented from Velpuru (in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh), the inscription mentions Aira Maharaja Haritiputra Manasada, ruling likely in the first half of the 2nd century CE, evidently belonging to the same Mahameghavahana lineage; his epithet Aira and temporal position suggest continuity or revival of power beyond Kalinga into South Kosala (raharahla.com). This may represent one of the last attestations of the dynasty, prior to Satavahana hegemony.
14. Architecture, Art & Religious Legacy
14.1 Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
These hill‑caves—Udayagiri (18 caves) and Khandagiri (15 caves)—were largely hewn during Kharavela’s reign in the 1st century BCE, serving as monasteries for Jain ascetics. The site includes elaborate sculptures and friezes, such as Rani Gumpha (“Queen’s Palace”), Atharanga‑and Ananta Cave with carvings of elephants, geese, athletes, and women.
14.2 Religious Patronage
Under Kharavela and his circle, Jainism flourished. The Hathigumpha inscription and cave inscriptions confirm that royal support provided for construction of agra‑jina worship, cave‑temples, and monastic facilities without exhibiting religious intolerance (historyofodisha.in).
15. Analysis and Interpretation
Dynastic Identity: The Mahameghavahana dynasty is firmly linked to the ancient Chedi lineage and exercised sovereign rule in Kalinga until the early centuries CE, with Kharavela as its most illustrious ruler. Later rulers appear in the epigraphic record from South Kosala/Velpuru, indicating geographic continuity (Newscoop).
Epigraphic Tradition: Hathigumpha remains unique for its biographical granularity, while minor cave-inscriptions attest continuous royal patronage by Kharavela’s family members.
Urban‑Religious Landscape: The construction of cave‑monasteries and temples underscores the religious and urban thrust under Mahameghavahanas, blending artistry, ascetic practice, and dynastic prestige.
Transition of Power: With the incursion of Satavahanas (Gautamiputra Satakarni) in South Kosala and eventual incorporation into Gupta political orbit under Samudragupta, the prominence of the Meghavahana line waned in the 4th century CE (raharahla.com, Odisha City Guide).
16. Conclusion
Ancient inscriptions—from Hathigumpha to Mancapuri and Velpuru—provide a richly textured chronicle of the Mahameghavahana (Chedi) dynasty in Kalinga. They reveal a period of strong monarchic rule under Kharavela, evident in public works, religion, administration, and art. Subsequent minor inscriptions illustrate royal family involvement in religious foundations. The Velpuru record suggests dynastic continuity into South Kosala into the 2nd century CE. Collectively, these inscriptions deepen our understanding of a formative chapter in Odisha’s early history.
17. References
Hathigumpha inscription & Kharavela’s reign
Minor cave inscriptions: Queen, Vakradeva, Vadukha (Jain Literature)
Velpuru inscription & Aira Manasada
Architecture & archaeology of Udayagiri–Khandagiri