Ranigumpha (cave no-1) Udayagiri

Ganeshagumpha (cave no-10) Udayagiri

Hathigumpha (cave no-14) Udayagiri

Khandagiri caves

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are the caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance near Bhubaneswar in Orissa (India), situated on two hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri, mentioned as Kumari Parvat in Hathigumpha inscription, facing each other across the roads and have a number of finchy and ornately carved caves. It is believed that most of these caves were carved out huge residential blocks for the Jain monks, during the reign of King Kharavela. Udayagiri meaning Sunrise Hill, has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves. Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Bhubaneswar   (Oriya: ଭୁବନେଶ୍ବର, Hindi: भुवनेश्वर, in Sanskrit and Oriya/oDiA, The Lord of the Universe) or the temple city of India is a city located on the eastern coast of India. ... Orissa   (Oriya: ଓଡ଼ିଶା), is a state situated in the east coast of India. ... Udaigiri (also Udayagiri) is a the site of a now-ruined complex of Buddhist buildings 60km north-east of Cuttack in Orissa state in India. ... Hathigumpha inscription. ... Kharavela (209- after 170 BC) was a powerful king of Kalinga in India during the 2nd century BC, and the third king of the Chedi dynasty. ...

The caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, called lena or lena in the inscriptions, were dug out mostly during the reign of Kharavela for the above of Jaina ascetics. The most important of this group is Ranigumpha in Udayagiri which is a double storeyed monastery. An example of the Vatteluttu script from an inscription by Rajaraja Chola I at the Brihadisvara temple in Thanjavur. ... Kharavela (209- after 170 BC) was a powerful king of Kalinga in India during the 2nd century BC, and the third king of the Chedi dynasty. ...

Count of the caves

B.M. Barua , basing on a reading of line 14 of the Hathigumpha inscription declared that altogether one hundred and seventeen caves were caused to be excavated by Kharavela and others on the Kumari hill (Udayagiri). Marshall has counted more than 35 caves in both the hills, while M.M. Ganguli has enumerated only twenty seven caves. Hathigumpha inscription. ...

The number of existing caves may be counted at Udayagiri as eighteen, while Khandagiri present only fifteen excavation. The local names of the existing caves are present below and those are numbered according to the enumeration of the Archaeological Survey of India. Udaigiri (also Udayagiri) is a the site of a now-ruined complex of Buddhist buildings 60km north-east of Cuttack in Orissa state in India. ... Archaeological Survey of India is an Indian government agency under the Department of Culture that is responsible about archaeological studies and preservation of cultural monuments. ...

The famous caves

In Udayagiri, Hathigumpha (cave 14) and Ganeshagumpha (cave 10) are famous. 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. Udaigiri (also Udayagiri) is a the site of a now-ruined complex of Buddhist buildings 60km north-east of Cuttack in Orissa state in India. ...

Inscriptions in Caves in Brahmi

Hathigumpha inscription

Main article: Hathigumpha inscription

The Hathigumpha cave ("Elephant Cave") has Hathigumpha inscription, written by Raja Kharavela, the king of Kalinga in India, during the 2nd century BCE. Hathigumpha inscription consists of seventeen lines incised in deep cut Brahmi letters on the overhanging brow of a natural cavern Hathigumpha in the southern side of the Udayagiri hill. It faces straight towards the rock Edicts of Asoka at Dhauli situated at a distance of about six miles. Hathigumpha inscription. ... Hathigumpha inscription. ... Kharavela (209- after 170 BC) was a powerful king of Kalinga in India during the 2nd century BC, and the third king of the Chedi dynasty. ... Kalinga in 265 B.C. Kalinga was an ancient Indo-Aryan kingdom of central-eastern India, in the province of Orissa. ... (3rd century BC - 2nd century BC - 1st century BC - other centuries) (2nd millennium BC - 1st millennium BC - 1st millennium AD) Events BC 168 Battle of Pydna -- Macedonian phalanx defeated by Romans BC 148 Rome conquers Macedonia BC 146 Rome destroys Carthage in the Third Punic War BC 146 Rome conquers... Brāhmī refers to the pre-modern members of the Brahmic family of scripts, attested from the 3rd century BC. The best known and earliest dated inscriptions in Brahmi are the rock-cut edicts of Ashoka. ... An edict is an announcement of a law, often associated with monarchism. ... This article is about Ashoka, the emperor. ...

Other minor inscriptions

Besides Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela there are some other minor Brahmi inscriptions in the twin hillocks of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, which were deciphered earlier by Prof RD Banergy during 1915-16 (Epigraphic Indica-XIII) and BM Baraua (Indian Historical Quarterly-XIV). Sadananda Agrawal has given further clarifications about them and are produced as under: Hathigumpha inscription. ... Kharavela (209- after 170 BC) was a powerful king of Kalinga in India during the 2nd century BC, and the third king of the Chedi dynasty. ... Brāhmī refers to the pre-modern members of the Brahmic family of scripts, attested from the 3rd century BC. The best known and earliest dated inscriptions in Brahmi are the rock-cut edicts of Ashoka. ...

I- Mancapuri cave inscription (Upper storey)

This inscription is engraved on the raised space between the second and third doorways of the cave. The text in Devanagari script is as under: Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) Devanāgarī (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

L.1- अरहंत पसादाय कलिंगानं समनानं लेनं कारितं राजिनो ललाकस

L.2- हथिसिहस पपोतस धुतुना कलिंग चकवतिनो सिरिखारवेलस

L.3- अगमहिसिना कारितं

Translation - By the blessings of Arhats the chief queen of Kharavela, the Cakravarti monarch of Kalinga, the great grand-daughter of Hathisiha (Hasti Simha) and the daughter of Lalāka or Lalārka caused to be excavated the cave for the sramanas of Kalinga.

II- Mancapuri cave inscription (Upper storey)-A

This inscription is incised on a raised bend between the 3rd and 4th doorways from the left and contains single line. The text in Devanagari script is as under: Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) Devanāgarī (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

ऐरस महाराजस कलिंगाधिपतिना महामेघवाहनस कुदेपसिरिनो लेणं

Translation - This is the cave of Aira Mahameghavahana Maharaja Kudepasiri, the overlord of Kalinga. Species About 10 species, including: Aira caryophyllea - Silver Hair-grass Aira cupaniana Aira elegantissima Aira praecox - Early Hair-grass Aira provincialis Aira tenorei Aira is a genus of about 10 species of annual grasses, native to western and southern Europe, southwest Asia and Africa. ... Kalinga is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. ...

Kudepasiri seems to be the immediate successor of Kharavela. Kharavela (209- after 170 BC) was a powerful king of Kalinga in India during the 2nd century BC, and the third king of the Chedi dynasty. ...

III-Manchapuri cave inscription 'B' (Lower storey)

This inscription has been engraved on the right wall of Veranda, to the right of the entrance to the right-hand side chamber of the main wing, consisting of one line. The text in Devanagari script is as under: Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) Devanāgarī (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

कुमारो वडुखस लेणं

Translation - [This is] the cave of Prince Vaḍukha.

Note:- On palaeographic ground Prof Banergy considers this inscription to be a little earlier than the inscription of king Kudepasiri. According to Sadananda Agrawal, Prince Badukha stands an obscure figure in history, but Badukha seems to be the son or brother of Kudepasiri.

IV- Inscriptions in the sarpagumpha (Over the door way)

This inscription consisting of one line, is incised over the doorway of the sarpagumpha. The text in Devanagari script is as under: Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) Devanāgarī (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

चूलकमस कोठाजेया च

Translation - The chamber and veranda/or side chamber of cūlakama. However Dr. Sahu interpreted Ajeya being united by a Sandhi qualifying Koṭha there by denoting invincible. but he ignored the conjucntion ca which follows Koṭha and Jeya.

V- Inscription in the sarpagumpha ( to the left of the doorway) The text in Devanagari script is as under: Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) Devanāgarī (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

L.1- कंमस हलखि

L.2- णय च पसादो

Translation :- [The pavilion is the] gift of Kamma and Halakhina. Most probably Halakhiṇa was the wife of Kamma.Chūlakamma- found in the inscription No. IV and Kamma of this record indicate official designations rather than the proper names. Kamma may be taken as minister of works (Karma saciva) and Cūlakamma appears to be a junior cadre of minister in the Department of works.

VI- Haridas cave inscription

This inscription contains one line has been incised over one of the three entrances to the main chamber of the cave from the veranda. The text in Devanagari script is as under: Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) Devanāgarī (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

चूलकमस पसातो कोठाजेया च

Translation :- The chamber and veranda (or side chamber) are the gift of cūlakama.

VII- Vyāghragumphā inscription

The record is incised on the outer wall of the inner chamber. The text in Devanagari script is as under: Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) Devanāgarī (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

L.1- नगर अखंदस

L.2- स भूतिनो लेणं

Translation :- The cave of Bhūti, the city judge.

VIII- Jambesavara cave inscription

This inscription has been engraved over the entrances to the inner chamber of the cave. The text in Devanagari script is as under: Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) Devanāgarī (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

महादस बरयाय नकियस लेनं

Translation :- The cave of Mahamāda Nākiya and Bāriyā.

X- Tatowāgumphā inscription (Cave No -1)

The record of this inscription is incised over one of the entrances to the inner chamber. The Text reads in Sanscrit as ...

पादमुलिकस कुसुमस लेणं x [।।]

Translation: The cave of Kusuma, the padamulika. Kaswan or Kuswan is a gotra of jats in Rajasthan in India. ...

Notes:- There is a syllable after the word lenam, which may be read as ni or phi,. padamulika literaly means, one who serves at the feet [of king].

Here Kusuma seems to be related with Kaswan clan of Jats. According to Kishori Lal Faujdar, An article about Raja Kharavela in Orissa mentions about the rule of Kaswan in 2nd century of Vikram samvat. It has been mentioned in ‘Hathi Gumpha and three other inscriptions’ (page 24) in Devanagari as under: Kaswan or Kuswan is a gotra of jats in Rajasthan in India. ... Kharavela (209- after 170 BC) was a powerful king of Kalinga in India during the 2nd century BC, and the third king of the Chedi dynasty. ... Orissa   (Oriya: ଓଡ଼ିଶା), is a state situated in the east coast of India. ... Kaswan or Kuswan is a gotra of jats in Rajasthan in India. ... The 2nd century is the period from 101 - 200 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian Era. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Hindu calendar. ... Hathigumpha inscription. ... Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) DevanāgarÄ« (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

कुसवानाम् क्षत्रियानां च सहाय्यतावतां प्राप्त मसिक नगरम्

Kusawānāṃ kshatriyānāṃ ca Sahāyyatāvatāṃ prāpt masika nagaraṃ.

This translates that the city of 'Masik' was obtained with the help of 'Kuswa' Kshatriyas. For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya (Hindi: , from Sanskrit: , ) is the title of the princely military order in the Vedic society. ...

XI- Ananta Gumpha inscription (A)

The record is incised on the architrave between the left ante and the fifth pillar. The text in Devanagari script is as under: Rigveda manuscript in Devanagari (early 19th century) Devanāgarī (देवनागरी — in English pronounced ) (ISCII – IS13194:1991) [1] is an abugida alphabet used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Bihari, Bhili, Konkani, Bhojpuri and Nepali from Nepal. ...

दोहद समणनं लेणं

Translation :- The cave of the Dohada Śramaṇas.

List of Caves at Udayagiri

1- Ranigumpha 2- Bajagharagumpha 3- Chota Hathigumpha 4- Alkapurigumpha 5- Jaya-vijayagumpha 6- Panasagumpha 7- Thakuranigumpha 8- Patalapurigumpha 9- Mancapurigumpha 10- Ganesagumpha 11- Jambesvaragumpha 12- Vyaghragumpha 13- Sarpagumpha 14- Hathigumpha 15- Dhanagharagumpha 16- Haridasagumpha 17- Jagammathgumpha 18- Rosaigumpha

List of Caves at Khandagiri

1- Tatowagumpha No.-1 2- Tatowagumpha No.-2 3- Anantagumpha 4- Tentuligumpha 5- Khandagirigumpha 6- Dhyanagumpha 7- Navamunigumpha 8- Barabhujigumpha 9- Trusulagumpha 10- Ambikagumpha 11- Lalatendukesarigumpha 12- Unnamed 13- Unnamed 14- Ekadasigumpha 15- Unnamed

The above nomenclature, however has no historical significances but accepted at present for the convenience of scholars and general readers. The art of Udayagiri and Khandagiri being almost contemporaneous with that of Sanchi, marks a striking resemblance with it but at he same time retains its own individuality and advance technique. Sanchi is a small village of India, located 46 km north east of Bhopal, in the central part of the state of Madhya Pradesh. ...

See also

• Hathigumpha inscription
• Kharavela

Hathigumpha inscription. ... Kharavela (209- after 170 BC) was a powerful king of Kalinga in India during the 2nd century BC, and the third king of the Chedi dynasty. ...

Reference

• Sachin Singhal: Orissa tourist road guide and political, Vardhman Publications, ISBN 81-8080-011-3
• Sadananda Agrawal: Sri Kharavela, Published by Sri Digambar Jain Samaj, Cuttack, 2000.

Externallinks

• http://www.indiaplaces.com/india-monuments/bhubaneshwar-udaigiri-caves.html