Kharavela and the Music of Orissa
By Priyambada Jain
Summary
In this historical note Priyambada Jain examines the role of King Kharavela of Kalinga (first century BCE) in fostering music and dance within Jain culture. Jainism was the national religion of Kalinga and revived under Kharavela after Ashoka’s conquest. The principal source for his reign, the Hathigumpha inscription on Udayagiri hill near Bhubaneswar, records that Kharavela patronized the arts, built temples and caves at Udayagiri and Khandagiri and adorned them with dance reliefs. The article notes that later inscriptions—such as those from the Mageshwar temple (1193–95) and Ananta Vasudeva temple (1278)—and manuscripts like *Gītaprakāśa* and *Sāṅgīta Kalpalatā* attest to a continuing tradition of music and dance in Orissa. It mentions musical instruments depicted in Udayagiri caves (Maraṇa Hastaka and Ravana Hastaka) and observes that stringed instruments were rare while percussion instruments like the pakhawaj and mṛdaṅga were common. Drawing on references from epigraphic and musicological studies, the author highlights how Jain patronage under Kharavela initiated a cultural flourishing that endured for centuries.
Conclusion
Priyambada Jain’s note portrays Kharavela as a pivotal patron of music and dance in ancient Orissa and underscores Jainism’s cultural influence in the region. By linking epigraphic evidence with later musical treatises, she shows that the king’s encouragement of the arts fostered a rich tradition that flourished for centuries. The article highlights the interplay between religious patronage and cultural development: Jain kingship not only promoted spiritual ideals but also nurtured aesthetic expression. This synthesis of faith and art bequeathed a legacy of dance and music that continues to resonate in Odisha’s cultural heritage.