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Shop Pattachitra Paintings Online Explore a wide assortment of exquisite Pattachitra paintings at Peepul Tree, your ultimate destination for embracing the beauty of traditional Pattachitra art. Our curated collection showcases an impressive variety of Pattachitra paintings meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans using top-quality materials. Patachitra, also known as Pattachitra, is an ancient art form originating from Odisha, India. This captivating artistic style involves employing natural hues and intricate brushwork to bring to life mesmerizing artworks on canvas, cloth, and paper. These masterpieces depict captivating mythological narratives, religious occasions, and scenes from everyday life.At Peepul Tree, we proudly present a diverse range of Pattachitra paintings, including Jagannath Pattachitra, and Krishna Pattachitra. Our collection also encompasses captivating Radha Krishna paintings, and serene Saraswati Pattachitra. Each painting is a unique creation, thoughtfully available in various sizes to cater to your personal preferences. Our Patachitra paintings are meticulously crafted using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Skilled artisans utilize natural elements like crushed stones, powdered conch shells, and charcoal to intricately shape the designs. The colors adorning these paintings are sourced from natural materials such as indigo, turmeric, and vermilion, lending them an unparalleled authentic and distinctive charm.In addition to canvas artworks, we offer Pattachitra paintings on Tasar fabric, a luxurious silk textile indigenous to Odisha. These exquisite pieces serve as perfect additions to infuse your home decor with an aura of traditional elegance. Furthermore, we provide Pattachitra paintings on canvas, ideal for gifting or enhancing the cultural ambiance of your office or living space. We take pride in ensuring that our Pattachitra paintings are affordably priced, making them accessible to all art enthusiasts. Embrace the convenience of ordering these Pattachitra paintings from our website and revel in the joy of doorstep delivery, bringing the essence of Pattachitra paintings directly to your home.Pattachitra Art Pattachitra Art is a traditional art form originating from Odisha, India, known for its unique style and vibrant colors. Pattachitra Art showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the region. The essence of Pattachitra Art lies in the intricate brushwork and meticulous detailing. The captivating beauty of Pattachitra Art lies in its storytelling through visuals. Pattachitra Art continues to enchant art enthusiasts with its timeless allure and artistic mastery. Explore the captivating world of Pattachitra Art and immerse yourself in its rich cultural legacy.Patta chitra painting Patta chitra painting is a cherished form of traditional art originating from Odisha, India. These exquisite artworks are characterized by intricate brushwork, vibrant colors, and detailed storytelling. Patta chitra painting encompasses various themes, each with its distinct style and significance. One of the prominent kinds of Patta chitra painting is Durga Pattachitra, which depicts the powerful goddess Durga in her various forms, showcasing her strength and divine grace. Another captivating form is Jagannath Pattachitra, illustrating Lord Jagannath, his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, and their associated festivals and rituals. Krishna Pattachitra celebrates the life and exploits of Lord Krishna, capturing his enchanting persona and mythical tales. Radha Krishna paintings depict the eternal love and divine romance between Radha and Krishna, evoking a sense of beauty and devotion. Saraswati Pattachitra is dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati, and often features her playing the veena or holding a book. Maa Durga Pattachitra showcases the fierce and compassionate form of goddess Durga, symbolizing feminine power and protection. Each kind of Patta chitra painting has its unique style, motifs, and symbolism, adding depth and meaning to the artwork. The artists employ natural materials, such as crushed stones and organic colors, to create these masterpieces, preserving the authenticity and traditional techniques. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Patta chitra painting, where myth, spirituality, and artistry come together to create visually stunning and culturally significant works of art.Pattachitra onlineExperience the convenience of shopping Pattachitra online from Peepul Tree. Peepul Tree offers a wide selection of Pattachitra online crafted by skilled artisans. With just a few clicks, you can explore a diverse range of Pattachitra online from Peepul Tree's user-friendly website. From Lakshmi Pattachitra to Krishna Pattachitra, the collection showcases various themes and styles, allowing you to find the perfect piece that resonates with your taste.Peepul Tree ensures a seamless online shopping experience, providing detailed descriptions and high-resolution images of each artwork. You can easily browse through different sizes, materials, and types of Pattachitra online to find the one that fits your preferences. Ordering from Peepul Tree offers the convenience of home delivery, saving you time and effort. Each painting is carefully packaged to ensure its safe arrival, allowing you to enjoy your chosen Pattachitra online without any hassle.Discover the beauty and cultural richness of Pattachitra online by shopping from Peepul Tree. Owning a piece of this traditional art form is just a few clicks away, bringing the essence of Odisha's heritage into your home with ease.FAQs1. What is Pattachitra painting?Patachitra painting is an ancient art style originating from the eastern state of Odisha, India. It encompasses the meticulous use of organic pigments and detailed brush techniques to produce exquisite artwork on surfaces such as canvas, cloth, and paper. Patachitra paintings beautifully depict a wide range of subjects, including mythological tales, religious ceremonies, and everyday scenarios.2. What types of Pattachitra paintings do you offer?Our collection comprises a diverse range of Patachitra paintings to cater to different preferences. You can explore stunning options like Lakshmi Patachitra, Jagannath Patachitra, and Krishna Pattachitra. Additionally, we offer captivating Balaji Tirupati paintings, Tussar paintings,Ganesha and Dashavatara paintings. Each artwork is distinctly unique, and we provide a variety of sizes to accommodate your specific requirements.3. What materials are used in Pattachitra paintings?The skilled artisans employ a range of natural elements such as crushed stone, powdered conch shells, and charcoal in crafting the intricate and captivating designs. The colors utilized in the artwork are derived from organic sources like turmeric, indigo, and vermilion, lending them a distinctive and genuine appearance.4. How can I buy Pattachitra paintings?You can order Patachitra paintings online from our website. Simply explore our collection of Patachitra paintings on our website, select the items you desire, add them to your cart, provide your information, and choose from a range of payment options. It's a seamless process that ensures a hassle-free shopping experience.

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Shop Pattachitra Paintings Online 
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Explore a wide assortment of exquisite Pattachitra paintings at Peepul Tree, your ultimate destination for embracing the beauty of traditional Pattachitra art. Our curated collection showcases an impressive variety of Pattachitra paintings meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans using top-quality materials. Patachitra, also known as Pattachitra, is an ancient art form originating from Odisha, India. This captivating artistic style involves employing natural hues and intricate brushwork to bring to life mesmerizing artworks on canvas, cloth, and paper. These masterpieces depict captivating mythological narratives, religious occasions, and scenes from everyday life. At Peepul Tree, we proudly present a diverse range of Pattachitra paintings, including Jagannath Pattachitra, and Krishna Pattachitra. Our collection also encompasses captivating Radha Krishna paintings, and serene Saraswati Pattachitra. Each painting is a unique creation, thoughtfully available in various sizes to cater to your personal preferences. Our Patachitra paintings are meticulously crafted using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Skilled artisans utilize natural elements like crushed stones, powdered conch shells, and charcoal to intricately shape the designs. The colors adorning these paintings are sourced from natural materials such as indigo, turmeric, and vermilion, lending them an unparalleled authentic and distinctive charm. In addition to canvas artworks, we offer Pattachitra paintings on Tasar fabric, a luxurious silk textile indigenous to Odisha. These exquisite pieces serve as perfect additions to infuse your home decor with an aura of traditional elegance. Furthermore, we provide Pattachitra paintings on canvas, ideal for gifting or enhancing the cultural ambiance of your office or living space. We take pride in ensuring that our Pattachitra paintings are affordably priced, making them accessible to all art enthusiasts. Embrace the convenience of ordering these Pattachitra paintings from our website and revel in the joy of doorstep delivery, bringing the essence of Pattachitra paintings directly to your home. Pattachitra Art Pattachitra Art is a traditional art form originating from Odisha, India, known for its unique style and vibrant colors. Pattachitra Art showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the region. The essence of Pattachitra Art lies in the intricate brushwork and meticulous detailing. The captivating beauty of Pattachitra Art lies in its storytelling through visuals. Pattachitra Art continues to enchant art enthusiasts with its timeless allure and artistic mastery. Explore the captivating world of Pattachitra Art and immerse yourself in its rich cultural legacy. Patta chitra painting Patta chitra painting is a cherished form of traditional art originating from Odisha, India. These exquisite artworks are characterized by intricate brushwork, vibrant colors, and detailed storytelling. Patta chitra painting encompasses various themes, each with its distinct style and significance. One of the prominent kinds of Patta chitra painting is Durga Pattachitra, which depicts the powerful goddess Durga in her various forms, showcasing her strength and divine grace. Another captivating form is Jagannath Pattachitra, illustrating Lord Jagannath, his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, and their associated festivals and rituals. Krishna Pattachitra celebrates the life and exploits of Lord Krishna, capturing his enchanting persona and mythical tales. 
Radha Krishna paintings depict the eternal love and divine romance between Radha and Krishna, evoking a sense of beauty and devotion. Saraswati Pattachitra is dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati, and often features her playing the veena or holding a book. Maa Durga Pattachitra showcases the fierce and compassionate form of goddess Durga, symbolizing feminine power and protection. Each kind of Patta chitra painting has its unique style, motifs, and symbolism, adding depth and meaning to the artwork. The artists employ natural materials, such as crushed stones and organic colors, to create these masterpieces, preserving the authenticity and traditional techniques. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Patta chitra painting, where myth, spirituality, and artistry come together to create visually stunning and culturally significant works of art. Pattachitra online Experience the convenience of shopping Pattachitra online from Peepul Tree. Peepul Tree offers a wide selection of Pattachitra online crafted by skilled artisans. With just a few clicks, you can explore a diverse range of Pattachitra online from Peepul Tree's user-friendly website. From Lakshmi Pattachitra to Krishna Pattachitra, the collection showcases various themes and styles, allowing you to find the perfect piece that resonates with your taste. Peepul Tree ensures a seamless online shopping experience, providing detailed descriptions and high-resolution images of each artwork. You can easily browse through different sizes, materials, and types of Pattachitra online to find the one that fits your preferences. Ordering from Peepul Tree offers the convenience of home delivery, saving you time and effort. Each painting is carefully packaged to ensure its safe arrival, allowing you to enjoy your chosen Pattachitra online without any hassle. Discover the beauty and cultural richness of Pattachitra online by shopping from Peepul Tree. Owning a piece of this traditional art form is just a few clicks away, bringing the essence of Odisha's heritage into your home with ease. FAQs 1. What is Pattachitra painting? Patachitra painting is an ancient art style originating from the eastern state of Odisha, India. It encompasses the meticulous use of organic pigments and detailed brush techniques to produce exquisite artwork on surfaces such as canvas, cloth, and paper. Patachitra paintings beautifully depict a wide range of subjects, including mythological tales, religious ceremonies, and everyday scenarios. 2. What types of Pattachitra paintings do you offer? Our collection comprises a diverse range of Patachitra paintings to cater to different preferences. You can explore stunning options like Lakshmi Patachitra, Jagannath Patachitra, and Krishna Pattachitra. Additionally, we offer captivating Balaji Tirupati paintings, Tussar paintings,Ganesha and Dashavatara paintings. Each artwork is distinctly unique, and we provide a variety of sizes to accommodate your specific requirements. 3. What materials are used in Pattachitra paintings? The skilled artisans employ a range of natural elements such as crushed stone, powdered conch shells, and charcoal in crafting the intricate and captivating designs. The colors utilized in the artwork are derived from organic sources like turmeric, indigo, and vermilion, lending them a distinctive and genuine appearance. 4. How can I buy Pattachitra paintings? You can order Patachitra paintings online from our website. Simply explore our collection of Patachitra paintings on our website, select the items you desire, add them to your cart, provide your information, and choose from a range of payment options. It's a seamless process that ensures a hassle-free shopping experience.

Pattachitra Lavender Tussar Painting

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Pattachitra Ruby Tussar Painting

Blue Pattachitra on Tussar Silk Original Painting

Pattachitra Olive Tussar Original Painting

Pattachitra Mahogany Tussar Painting

Pattachitra Art Paintings For Home Decor

Pattachitra Paintings for Home Decor

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Rust Coloured Handwoven Cushion Cover

Mustard & Black Handwoven Tribe Inspired Table Runner

Marble Coaster Set with Red Inlay| Set of 2/6 | Handcrafted In India

Wall Hanging Handmade in Mud | Lippan Art Home Decor | Desert Oasis

Hand Embroidered Mirror & Thread-Work Table Runners - Lambani Table Runners in Scarlet

Multi-purpose Wicker Basket From Kashmir

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Red & Black Handwoven Mirror & Thread-Work Table Runner

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Handcrafted Home Decor For You

LHI Story Image

Pattachitra is an ancient art form rooted in Odisha with a fascinating origin story. We walk you through the incredible process that goes into each exquisite painting.   

Pattachitra: The Heritage Art of Odisha 

Pattachitra is an ancient art form rooted in Odisha with a fascinating origin story.

Pattachitra: The Heritage Art of Odisha

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 - Celebrate with joy and reverence! Explore exquisite Ganesh paintings, discover stunning Ganesh idols, and immerse yourself in the spirit of Ganesh Utsav. Experience the beauty and devotion of this auspicious festival.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 - Story of Ganesh Utsav

Ganesh Chaturthi - The Origins of the Ganesha Festival

Worshipped as the god of ‘Auspicious Starts’ and ‘Remover of Obstacles’, idols of Hindu god Ganesha adorn homes, offices and even cars. But which is the oldest dateable sculpture of Ganesha in India?

Tracing the First Ganesha

Do you know which is the oldest dateable sculpture of Ganesha in India?

While there are many archeological sites named Udayagiri, the one in the Jajpur district of Odisha is the most important. It was an important monastery, and a hub of spirituality, learning and art. Here is the story of the ‘Hill of the rising sun’.

Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Udayagiri

More idols and #temple remains have surfaced from the Mahanadi in #Odisha, including 7 idols and an 18-inch Krishna statue found recently. Hundreds of others lie submerged. Find out how treasures are being mapped and retrieved from Odisha's rivers. 

‘Krishna’ Rises From Odisha River

‘Krishna’ Rises from Odisha River

The famed Sun Temple of Konark is an exuberant example of Kalinga architecture at its zenith and one of India’s most-visited monuments. Was it built as an act of humility and gratitude or is it the mark of a zealous and ambitious king? Catch the story of this colossal ‘chariot in stone’ and the king who built it

Konark Sun Temple: Odisha’s Timeless Wonder

The Konark Sun Temple represents Kalinga architecture at its zenith. Catch the story of this ‘chariot in stone’

The Biraja Temple, a renowned Shaktipeeth, draws devotees from across the nation and gives Jajpur in Odisha its distinct identity as the ‘Biraja Kshetra’. Here is the story of the historic Biraja Temple of Jajpur.

Biraja Temple - In the Heart of the Biraja Kshetra

Odisha's Biraja Temple & the Cosmic Vortex

 It’s that time of year when girls in Odisha fast, collect flowers and perform an ancient ritual. Most have no idea that its roots lie in the trading ports of Kalinga. Catch the story of Khudurukuni Osa and the young girl that started it all

Khudurukuni Osa: Odisha’s Maritime Festival

Khudurukuni Osa is an ancient ritual performed in Odisha that has its roots in the trading ports of Kalinga

Odisha is a glorious land of temples, but what happens when a 500-year-old shrine resurfaces from the depths of the great Mahanadi River? Catch the story of the Gopinath Temple and what it could mean for other submerged monuments in the state 

Temple Rises from Odisha’s Mahanadi River

Catch the story of the Gopinath Temple and what it could mean for other submerged monuments in the state

The grand Bali Yatra in Odisha celebrates ancient mariners, links forged with kindly neighbours and a trade fair that is a roaring success. Journey through literature and folklore to rediscover a tradition that cuts straight to the heart of an ancient land

Bali Yatra: Odisha’s Voyage to a Glorious Past

The grand Bali Yatra in Odisha celebrates ancient mariners, links forged with kindly neighbours and a trade fair

A fascinating discovery was made in Odisha in 2005, which unearthed the remains of two Stupas connected with the life of Buddha. These were the ‘Kesa Stupa’ and the ‘Danta Stupa’, where a hair and a tooth of the Buddha were believed to be kept. Catch the story –

Jajpur's Historic Connection to Buddha's 'First' Devotees

The 13th century Athranala Bridge in Jajpur near Cuttack, is a bridge that , as per local beliefs, connects two ‘divine’ regions of Odisha – ‘Biraja Kshetra’ of Goddess Biraja and the ‘Jagannatha Kshetra’ of Lord Jagannatha.

Jajpur’s Atharanala Bridge – Connecting the Divine Realms

Treasures

  What is the link between Hirakud Dam and the fabled diamonds that once dazzled the courts of ancient Rome? Catch the fascinating story of Odisha’s ‘diamond island’ and its treasures.  

Hirakud: Diamonds Under A Dam in Odisha

What does one of India’s largest irrigation projects – the Hirakud dam in Odisha – have in common with diamonds coveted by ancient Roman emperors and their wives?

The Hirakud dam, on the Mahanadi river near Sambalpur in Odisha, is located 292 km north-west of Bhubaneswar. Inaugurated in 1957, it was one of independent India’s largest and most important irrigation projects. But if you were to travel here and ask ‘what lies beneath?’, the answer would quite literally be ‘diamonds’ and perhaps even ‘gold dust’.

The link between Hirakud Dam in Odisha and the fabled diamonds that once dazzled the courts of ancient Rome

Far from the famous temple-cities in Odisha is a town called Khiching that has a deep spiritual connection to the region’s past. Catch the story of the Bhanja dynasty and the stunning temples and architectural wonders they left behind

Khiching and its ‘Artistic’ Royals

The story of Odisha’s Bhanja rulers at Khiching & the stunning temples and architecture they left behind

The Battle of Kalinga is one of the most famous battles of Indian history. It transformed Ashoka into a peace loving promoter of Dhamma. But why did he attack Kalinga and, how did it manage to put up such a fight? We get you the lesser known story of ‘Kalinga Before Ashoka’ 

Kalinga Before Ashoka (7th BCE - 3rd BCE) 

There is a story that the Sri Lankans hold dear. It goes back to somewhere around the 6th BCE when a banished prince, the grandson of a princess of Kalinga (who had eloped with a lion), made his way to the island deep south with a band of 700 men. He defeated the local inhabitants the yakkhas and went on to rule Sri Lanka as King Vijaya. By now, he had taken the title of his father and grandfather (the lion) and that is how his people came to be known as the Sinhalese.

This story is mentioned in the Buddhist text Mahavamsa and the earlier Deepavamsa which chronicle the history of the people of Sri Lanka. They were both written somewhere between the 3rd and 5th CE – roughly 900 years later.

The story of one of the greatest trade centres of the world

Kalinga Before Ashoka (7th BCE - 3rd BCE)

Lost Cities

This ancient city, could give some of the best urban centres today, a run for their money!

Sisupalgarh: The Lost City

It was one of the most famous battles of Ancient India - The Battle of Kalinga in 262 BCE turned an ambitious king - the Mauryan empire builder Asoka, into a repentant peace lover who championed non violence and the Buddhist philosophy of Dhamma, becoming the first king in the world, to do so. If you want to understand why Kalinga was so important and what was at stake here for Asoka , you will have to head to Sisupalgarh, on the south-eastern edge of present day Bhubaneswar. Excavations here have unearthed the remains of a massive fortified urban centre, that many historians believe could have been the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kalinga.

Comparable to Athens, its contemporary, at its prime - archaeologists who have worked on Sisupalgarh believe it was the most organised urban centre of ancient India. Recent excavations conducted between 2005 and 2009 conclude that the region around Sisupalgarh was inhabited continuously from the 5th century BCE to 4th century CE. It had also become a thriving urban centre for trade, around the 2nd century BCE.

This ancient city could give some of the best urban centers today, a run for their money!

Tucked away in a small lane in Bhubaneswar in Odisha lies an architectural gem. Mukteswar or the temple of salvation, is dedicated to Shiva, in the form of Mukta, the Lord of Salvation.

Mukteswar: A Temple of Salvation

A 10th century CE temple dedicated to Shiva, in the form of ‘Mukta’, the Lord of Salvation.

Uncover the tale of the ancient stone elephant situated on Kayama Hill in Odisha, a relic associated with Tissa, the brother of Emperor Ashoka, who settled in Kalinga after the Kalinga War.

The Stone Elephant at Kayama Hill: Legacy of Ashoka’s Brother

Kharavela was the mighty king of Kalinga who rebuilt the empire destroyed by Ashoka and greatly expanded its territory. Yet we know so much about him from so little – just 17 lines of text inscribed in the Udayagiri caves in Odisha. Catch the story of this powerful but enigmatic ruler whose legacy lives on to this day

Kalinga’s King Kharavela (2nd BCE - 1st BCE)

‘Salutations to the Arhats (Jinas)… by illustrious Kharavela, the Aira, the great, the descendent of Mahameghavahana, increasing the glory of the Chedi Dynasty, endowed with excellent and auspicious marks and features, possessed of virtues that have reached the four corners, overlord of Kalinga.’

Thus starts one of the most talked-about inscriptions, high up on Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave), one of the caves in Udayagiri, a complex of largely Jain rock-cut temples and viharas near Bhubaneswar, the capital of present-day Odisha.

The ‘illustrious’ Kharavela, who talks to us through this long and flattering inscription, is one of the most interesting characters from ancient Indian history. He bursts upon the scene some time in the 2nd BCE -1st BCE, leading expeditions and battles, thwarting Greek invaders, fixing irrigation systems, restoring the ‘pride’ of Kalinga, patronising Jain monks and building great temple complexes and viharas. The fact that he did all this in a matter of a few years – historians believe he died when he was 38 years old – makes him enigmatic, as does the fact that he is fondly remembered in Odisha even today, even though he was the only significant ruler of his line.

The story of this powerful but enigmatic ruler whose legacy lives on to this day



Bhubaneswar, the city of temples, also has a rare set of Jain rock- cut shelters. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri complex are simply spectacular.

Rock Cut Temples of Udayagiri and Khandagiri

Explore the rare Jain rock- cut shelters in the city of temples Bhubaneswar.

A discovery of two Brahmi seals at the ancient site of Langudi Hill led to the solving of the mystery of the location of 'Pushpagiri'. Learn about the exciting excavation that revealed a vital clue to Indian history and the face of one of its famous people.

Pushpagiri Mahavihara: Lost Buddhist ruins found on barren Odisha hill

Rivers have been the cradle of civilizations, and in India they are worshipped as goddesses. The story of one unique river however, remains untold. The sacred Baitarni river in Jajpur town of Odisha is considered to be a gateway to the underworld. Here’s the story. 

Baitarani – The Sacred River

Did you know, that between the 8th and the 10th centuries, the Kingdom of Jajpur in Odisha was ruled by a series of powerful Queens who left behind a mark in history. Catch the fascinating story of the Bhaumakara Queens of Jajpur

The Queens who ruled Jajpur

Hidden between homes and shops of  Jajpur in Odisha, stands humongous monolithic pillar in reverence to Lord Vishnu. A legacy of Somavanshi kings, this pillar is a testament to a glorious period in Odiya history. Catch the story

Jajpur’s Shubha Stambha – An Ode to Lord Vishnu

Have you ever wondered what daily life was like for people living a thousand of years ago? How did people eat, drink, wear, study and work back then? We get some glimpse of this  from Jajpur in Odisha. Catch the story

Life in Jajpur – Thousand years ago!

Deep within the Biraja Mata Temple at Jajpur in Odisha, is a circular well so sacred, that performing a 'Pinda Daan' ritual here, is said to liberate the souls of one's ancestors. Catch the fascinating story of 'Nabhigaya' of Jajpur

Nabhigaya: Where Ancestors are Liberated

The Vajrayana School of Buddhism, with 18 Million devotees spanning Tibet to Mongolia, traces its Tantric roots to the historic Ratnagiri Monastery near present-day Jajpur in Odisha. Catch the story.

Ratnagiri Buddhist Complex – The Birthplace of Vajrayana

The town of Jajpur in Odisha offers a multitude of captivating experiences for travelers. From temples, historical sites to serene natural landscapes, Jajpur has something to offer for everyone.

Five Reasons to Visit Jajpur in Odisha

Five Reasons to visit Jajpur in Odisha

Pattachitra Paintings 

The Secrets of Ladakh: A Rare Journey

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Join us on unforgettable journeys week after week and meet those who are defining the way we look at history

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Salutations to the Arhats (Jinas)… by illustrious Kharavela, the Aira, the great, the descendent of Mahameghavahana, increasing the glory of the Chedi Dynasty, endowed with excellent and auspicious marks and features, possessed of virtues that have reached the four corners, overlord of Kalinga.’

Thus starts one of the most talked-about inscriptions, high up on Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave), one of the caves in Udayagiri, a complex of largely Jain rock-cut temples and 

 near Bhubaneswar, the capital of present-day Odisha.

The ‘illustrious’ Kharavela, who talks to us through this long and flattering inscription, is one of the most interesting characters from ancient Indian history. He bursts upon the scene some time in the 2nd BCE -1st BCE, leading expeditions and battles, thwarting Greek invaders, fixing irrigation systems, restoring the ‘pride’ of Kalinga, patronising Jain monks and building great temple complexes and 

. The fact that he did all this in a matter of a few years – historians believe he died when he was 38 years old – makes him enigmatic, as does the fact that he is fondly remembered in Odisha even today, even though he was the only significant ruler of his line.

 describes the Hathigumpha inscription, the source of much of what we know of Kharavela, as one of the earliest biographical sketches of a king in India. She underlines its importance when she says ‘(it) deserves a more detailed summary as it represents the beginnings of a style of royal eulogy.’ And that’s precisely what it is.

So who was Kharavela and why is he so important? The biggest source of information on this king is the king himself. Although limiting, it is a good start.

The post-Mauryan period was marked by an era of political realignment. As it often happens with the fall of a large, centrally controlled empire, there were two forces at play – an attempt to hold it all together by an authority (a weaker usurper) trying to replace the old order; and the emergence of independent states, with their own political ambitions in what was once the empire.

The Shungas took over from the Mauryas after the unceremonious and cold-blooded murder of the last of the Mauryan rulers, Brihadratha. He was killed by his 

 or general, Pushyamitra, around 185 BCE. Little is known of Pushyamitra except that he was a Brahmin and he wasn’t very tolerant. He is said to have destroyed Buddhist monasteries and stupas, including the Great Stupa in Sanchi.

 mentions that Pushyamitra sent an army to persecute Buddhist monks as far as Sakala (Sialkot in present-day Pakistan). He is recorded to have performed the Ashvamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice) to legitimise his right to rule. While Pushyamitra’s son is said to have undone many of the wrongs his father committed – Agnimitra rebuilt the Sanchi Stupa and added its iconic railings – the Shungas didn't last long. They were followed by the Kanvas and, by this time, what had been a vast empire straddling most of the Indian subcontinent during the Mauryan era, was now a small kingdom limited to Magadha.

 (1949), historian Manmatha Nath Das, former Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University and former Member of Parliament, spends a considerable amount of time looking at the rise of Kharavela and his reign. He compares Kharavela to Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Mauryan Empire. He sets the tone for the rise of Kharavela when he writes, 

“It is really a wonderful phenomenon in the history of Kalinga that from the depth of ruin, the Kalingans could revive themselves within a short time.”

He explains how the great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga had caused widespread devastation and wiped out a whole generation or two of people in Kalinga. But then, he says,

 “barely seven years after Ashoka’s death, a new dynasty rose in Kalinga, in 225 BCE – that of the Chedis.”

 Kharavela would emerge as the brightest star here.

While there are major differences of opinion on the dates of the Chedis and Kharavela’s reign, we know that he was probably the third in his line in the Chedi dynasty. Das is of the opinion that Kharavela was born in 207 BCE but historians K P Jayaswal and R D Banerji believe that Kharavela reigned around the first half of the 2nd Century BCE. They cite references to the Satavahana ruler Satakarni and the Greek king Demetrius I to support this. Others, like archaeologist Bhagwanlal Indarji, say he reigned at a later date. Indraji believes Kharavela ruled around 103 BCE while scholar D C Sircar believes it was even later, in the second half of the 1st Century BCE.

The confusion in dates is largely due to differences in the reading of the inscription at the Hathigumpha cave, which while yielding a lot of information, also leaves much to interpretation. The Hathigumpha 

 (eulogy) even referred to as ‘Kharavela Charita’ (like the much later 

), is attributed by some scholars to a royal chronicler. But given the tone of the inscription, other historians believe it may have been dictated by Kharavela himself.

The 17-line inscription written in the Brahmi script was first discovered by a British historian A Stirling in 1820. He went on to publish a copy of it in the 

 Journal. But it was the famous scholar James Prinsep who deciphered the inscription. Subsequently, some of the most famous names in the world of Indian history, archaeology and epigraphy, including the founder of the Archaeological Survey of India, Sir Alexander Cunningham, and scholars like Bhagwan Lal Indraji, R D Banerji, K P Jayaswal and D C Sircar studied it.

This is the translation of the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela by K P Jayaswal and R D Banerji, adapted from 

 as quoted by Dr Romila Thapar in her book, 

. It offers a fascinating peek into Kharavela’s life, and starts at the very beginning.

‘Fifteen years were spent in youthful sports with a body ruddy and handsome. Administration as an heir apparent lasted for nine years and he mastered corres­pondence, currency, finance, civil and religious law and was well-versed in all.’

These lines are interesting because, apart from telling us that Kharavela was anointed crown prince at the age of 15, they also tell us of the training he underwent – in areas of finance, administration and law, before he wore the crown at the age of 24.

‘On attaining manhood, he was crowned king in the dynasty of Kalinga. In his first year, he repaired the gates, walls and buildings of the city damaged in a storm; built embankments on the lake, and tanks and cisterns in the city; and restored the gardens. This was done at the cost of thirty-five thousand and pleased the people.’

When he became king, the first thing Kharavela did, we are told, was to focus on repairing the infrastructure in his capital. Archaeologists excavating what is believed to have been the site of his capital, Kalinganagari in Sisupalgarh, near Bhubaneswar, have found evidence of a natural calamity, probably a cyclone, that may have ravaged the city during the period.

‘In the second year, his strong army of the four-fold units of cavalry, elephants, infantry and chariots, was sent against the western regions controlled by Satakarni [the Satavahana king], and also threatened the city of the Mushika peoples.’

Within the first year of his reign, Kharavela seems to have begun planning his expansion – first targeting the areas adjoining Kalinga - the Deccan and Telangana. While historians are divided on which Satavahana king these lines refer to – Satakarni I or Satakarni II – the consensus points to the former. After defeating the Satavahana army, he turned south and defeated the Mushikas, a tribe believed to have lived in part of present-day Telangana.