Kharvel
Kharvel
was the emperor of Kalinga in 2nd century BC The Hathi Gumpha inscription at
Udaigiri near Bhuvaneshwar (orissa) of 150 B.C. cleary describes that Kharavela
brought the Kalinga Jina, the image which Nanda, the Magadh king taken to Magadh
from Kalinga. This inscription begins with respect to Arhatas and Sidhas and
deals with the boyhood of Kharvel, his education, enthroning, victory over many
territories and deeds of public interest done by him. The inscription confirms
Kharvel's faith in Jainism. He called a summit of Jain ascetics on Kumari hill
for promoting Jainism. The Jain church honoured him by giving the title of
Bhikshuraja, Khemraja and Dharmraja. The services of Kharvel to Jainism are
memorable.