Pusyamitra and the Sunga Empire

Summary

The Hathigumpha inscription from Kalinga, dated to the reign of King Kharavela (c. mid-2nd century BCE), describes his military conquest of Magadha, including the siege of Rajagrha and capture of Pataliputra. Some scholars, including Rapson, Jayaswal, and Sten Konow, have traditionally linked Kharavela to Pusyamitra of the Shunga Empire, suggesting the latter was besieged at Rajagrha. However, this chronology presents inconsistencies with Pusyamitra’s known achievements and reputation, leading to scholarly debate. The inscription’s key line 16 is interpreted differently: Bhagavanlal Indraji reads it as referencing the 165th year of the Mauryan era, while Fleet and Jayaswal propose alternative translations. Konow argues Kharavela restored the Anga-Saptika, a Jaina text, but acknowledges uncertainties in the inscription’s dating. The text also mentions Kharavela’s construction projects, including beryl-inlaid pillars and the revival of the Parikamina, a lost section of the Drstivada. Despite the inscription’s damaged sections, the passage highlights Kharavela’s military and cultural achievements. The debate over its date—whether mid-2nd century BCE or later—remains unresolved, with scholars divided on its alignment with Shunga chronology. The Hathigumpha inscription remains a critical but contested source for understanding early Indian history.