Hathigumpha inscription of Kalinga King Kharwela is written in which language?

The correct answer is Prakrit.

Key Points

• The Hathigumpha inscription is located at the Udayagiri Hills near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India.
• It was inscribed by King Kharavela, a renowned ruler of the Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga (modern Odisha).
• The inscription is written in the Prakrit language using the Brahmi script.
• It provides a detailed account of King Kharavela’s achievements, military campaigns, public works, and his patronage of Jainism.
• The Hathigumpha inscription is a significant historical source for understanding the socio-political and religious history of ancient India.

Additional Information

• Prakrit Language:
  • Prakrit refers to a group of middle Indo-Aryan languages that were used in ancient and medieval India.
  • It was commonly used by the general populace and was distinct from the more formal and literary Sanskrit language.
  • Many Jain and Buddhist texts are written in Prakrit, making it an important language for historical and religious studies.
• Brahmi Script:
  • The Brahmi script is one of the oldest writing systems used in the Indian subcontinent.
  • It served as the basis for many modern Indian scripts, including Devanagari, Tamil, and Bengali.
  • Most ancient inscriptions, including Ashokan edicts, are written in Brahmi.
• King Kharavela:
  • Kharavela was a powerful ruler of the Mahameghavahana dynasty during the 1st century BCE.
  • He is known for his military conquests, administrative reforms, and patronage of Jainism.
  • The Hathigumpha inscription serves as the primary source of information about his reign.
• Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves:
  • These caves, located in Odisha, are famous for their historical and archaeological significance.
  • They were used as residential quarters for Jain monks and are adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
  • The Hathigumpha inscription is one of the most notable inscriptions found at these caves.