Question

Arrange the achievements of Kharavela in chronological order. \[ \begin{aligned} A.& \ \text{Victory of the city of Pithunda} B.& \ \text{Victory of the Magadha} C.& \ \text{Victory on the Rashtrikas} D.& \ \text{Victory of Rorathagiri} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. C, B, D and A
• B. C, D, A and B
• C. B, A, C and D
• D. B, A, D and C

Hint:

Remember the sequence: \[ \text{Rashtrikas} \rightarrow \text{Rorathagiri} \rightarrow \text{Pithunda} \rightarrow \text{Magadha} \] The Hathigumpha inscription is the chief source of Kharavela’s history.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Kharavela was the famous ruler of Kalinga whose achievements are recorded in the Hathigumpha inscription located in Odisha. The inscription provides detailed information regarding:
• military expeditions,
• administrative activities,
• irrigation works,
• religious patronage,
• and political conquests. To solve chronological arrangement questions, we carefully identify the sequence of events mentioned in the inscription.

Step 1: Identifying the earliest achievement of Kharavela. The earliest among the listed achievements is: \[ \text{Victory over the Rashtrikas} \] This campaign was conducted during the earlier phase of Kharavela’s reign. Thus: \[ C = \text{First position} \]

Step 2: Finding the next achievement chronologically. After the Rashtrika campaign, Kharavela undertook: \[ \text{Victory of Rorathagiri} \] This reflects his continued military expansion. Thus: \[ D = \text{Second position} \]

Step 3: Determining the next conquest. The next important achievement was: \[ \text{Victory of the city of Pithunda} \] Pithunda was an important urban center and its conquest strengthened Kharavela’s political influence. Thus: \[ A = \text{Third position} \]

Step 4: Identifying the final achievement in sequence. The later and more significant campaign was: \[ \text{Victory over Magadha} \] This campaign established Kharavela’s prestige in northern India. Thus: \[ B = \text{Fourth position} \]

Step 5: Writing the complete chronological order. Hence, the correct order becomes: \[ \boxed{C \rightarrow D \rightarrow A \rightarrow B} \] Therefore, the correct option is: \[ \boxed{(2)\ C, D, A \text{ and } B} \]

Step 6: Historical importance of Kharavela. Kharavela is remembered because:
• he revived Kalinga’s power after Ashoka,
• promoted Jainism,
• undertook irrigation projects,
• and strengthened regional political authority. The Hathigumpha inscription remains the primary source regarding his reign.