Maha-Meghavahana Dynasty Mahāmēghabāhana |
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ମହାମେଘବାହନ | ||||||||||
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Capital | Not specified | |||||||||
Religion | Jainism | |||||||||
Government | Monarchy | |||||||||
King | Vriddharaja | |||||||||
Kharavela | ||||||||||
Kudepasiri | ||||||||||
Historical era | Classical India | |||||||||
• | Established | c. 250s BC | ||||||||
• | Disestablished | c. 5th century CE | ||||||||
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The Mahameghavahana dynasty (Odia: ମହାମେଘବାହନ; Mahā-Mēgha-Bāhana, c. 250s BC to 5th century CE) was an ancient ruling dynasty of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha state) after the decline of the Maurya Empire. The third ruler of the dynasty, Kharavela is known by his Hathigumpha inscription.
Although religiously tolerant, Kharavela patronised Jainism.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves is the most prominent example of Mahameghavahana dynasty work. These caves were built in 2nd Century BCE during the rule of King Kharavela. Udayagiri means "Sunrise Hill" and has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves. The Hathigumpha cave ("Elephant Cave") has the Hathigumpha inscription, written by Raja Kharavela, the king of Kalinga in India, during the 2nd century BCE. The Hathigumpha inscription consists of seventeen lines incised in deep cut Brahmi letters starting with Jain Namokar Mantra. In Udayagiri, Hathigumpha (cave 14) and Ganeshagumpha (cave 10) are especially well known due to art treasures of their sculptures and reliefs as well as due to their historical importance. Rani ka Naur (Queen's Palace cave, cave 1) is also an extensively carved cave and elaborately embellished with sculptural friezes. Khandagiri offers a fine view back over Bhubaneswar from its summit. The Ananta cave (cave 3) depicts carved figures of women, elephants, athletes, and geese carrying flowers.
Udayagiri
Ganesha Gumpha (cave no-10), Udayagiri
Hathi Gumpha (cave no-14), Udayagiri
Carving of Tirthankaras & Goddesses inside Navamuni Gumpha
Cave monastery in Khandagiri
Carving of Jain Tirthanakars
Sarpa Gumpha (cave no-13), Udayagiri