The Chedis of Kalinga
Class 7 Social Science · Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation · NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond section 6.3
Learn
Kalinga, crushed in Aśhoka's war, rose again under the Chedi dynasty. Its great king Khāravela followed Jain teachings and was called bhikṣhu-rāja (monk-king), yet respected all schools of thought. Near Bhubaneswar, the Udayagiri–Khandagiri caves, probably made for Jain monks, have spacious rooms, carved panels and statues cut with remarkable precision into the rock: fine examples of rock-cut architecture.
The Hāthīgumphā inscription, in the Brahmi script, records Khāravela's deeds year by year: military victories and works for his people's welfare. He proudly says he gathered a council of ascetics and sages from a hundred regions and calls himself a "respecter of every sect and repairer of every temple". Once again, a ruler takes pride in protecting all schools of thought, part of what we may call the Indian ethos.
Explore: place events on the timeline.
- The Śhunga dynasty began around 185 BCE. Put the marker there.
- The Śhaka Samvat era began in 78 CE. Put the marker there.
Remember
- Kalinga rose again under the Chedis; Khāravela was a Jain monk-king who respected all sects.
- The Udayagiri–Khandagiri caves and the Hāthīgumphā inscription are his lasting legacy.
Quick check
Khāravela recorded his achievements in the …
- Hāthīgumphā inscription
- Naneghat inscription
- Sarnath pillar
- Heliodorus pillar
Answer
Hāthīgumphā inscription. It is at the Udayagiri caves near Bhubaneswar.
Think about it
How might artisans have cut such regular rooms into rock with only hammers and chisels?
One answer
By careful planning and marking, working from the top down in layers, using guide lines and measuring cords, and passing skills from master to apprentice over years.
Practice
Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.