The Chedis of Odisha: The Arya Mahameghavahana

By Dr Mehta Vasishtha Dev Mohan and Cdr Alok Mohan

The Chedis of Odisha.
Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga.

Introduction:

The term "chedis" typically refers to Buddhist stupas or monuments. Orissa, now known as Odisha, has a rich history of Buddhism, and there are several notable chedis in the region. One of the most significant Buddhist sites in Odisha is the Dhauli Stupa, which is associated with the ancient Kalinga region.
Dhauli Stupa:
The Dhauli Stupa is a Buddhist stupa located near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India.
- It is believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE after the Kalinga War, which transformed him into a promoter of Buddhism. The stupa is known for its symbolic significance as it marks the place where Ashoka is said to have given up violence and embraced Buddhism after witnessing the suffering caused by the war. Dhauli Stupa is adorned with sculptures and inscriptions that depict scenes from Buddha's life and the Ashokan edicts.
From the early fourth century CE to the second or first century BC, the Mahameghavahana dynasty was in power, after the collapse of the Maurya Empire. The empire was an illustrious reigning dynasty in Kalinga. Kalinga and Kosala were subjugated by Mahameghavahana, a king of Chedirastra (or Cetarattha ) i.e., the kingdom of the Chedis), in the first century B.C. South Kosala was integrated into the kingdom under Kharavela, the third king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. He patronized Jainism, but showed no prejudice against other faiths. He is recognized by his Hathigumpha inscription.
Later, in the early years of the second century CE, Gautamiputra Satakarni of the Satavahana dynasty overthrew South Kosala and held it until the second half of the second century CE. The Meghas or Meghavahanas returned to the political arena and reclaimed control of South Kosala between the second and third centuries CE. Samudragupta fought Mahendra of Kosala, who most likely belonged to the Megha dynasty, during his Daksinapatha expedition. As a result, the South Kosala joined the Gupta empire in the fourth century A.D.
The most notable example of Mahameghavahana dynasty work is found in Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. During King Kharavela's reign in the second century BCE, several caves were constructed. While Khandagiri (which means "Broken Hill") has 15 caverns, Udayagiri (which means "Sunrise Hill") has 18 caves. The Hathigumpha inscription was penned by Raja Kharavela, the monarch of Kalinga in India, in the second century BCE, and it can be found in the Hathigumpha cave, also known as the "Elephant Cave." The seventeen-line Hathigumpha inscription is written in deep-cut Brahmi letters and begins with the Jain Namokar Mantra. Due to the artistic richness of its sculptures and reliefs as well as due to their historical significance, Hathigumpha (cave 14) and Ganeshagumpha (cave 10) are particularly well known in Udayagiri.
Rani ka Naur, also known as Queen's Palace Cave 1, is a deeply carved cave that has been lavishly decorated with sculptural friezes. From its summit, Khandagiri provides a lovely view of Bhubaneswar in reverse. Figures of women, elephants, athletes, and geese carrying flowers are carved in the Ananta cave (cave 3).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CLDV4GPW
• ISBN13: 9798864820650
• Release Date: October 2023
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"