The Mahameghavahana dynasty was an ancient ruling dynasty of Kalinga after the decline of the Maurya Empire. In the first century B.C., Mahameghavahana, a king of Chedirastra conquered Kalinga and Kosala. During the reign of Kharavela, the third king of Mahameghavahana dynasty, South Kosala became an integral part of the kingdom. He patronised Jainism, but did not discriminate against other religions. He is known by his Hathigumpha inscription. South Kosala was later conquered by Gautamiputra Satakarni of the Satavahana dynasty in the early part of the 2nd century CE and remained in their possession up to the second half of the 2nd century CE. It was during the second and third century CE, the Meghas or Meghavahanas reappeared in the political scene and regained their suzerainty over South Kosala. Samudragupta during his daksinapathaexpedition, defeated Mahendra of Kosala who probably belonged to the Megha dynasty. As a result, the South Kosala during the fourth century A.D, became a part of the Gupta empire. The Sada dynasty who ruled form Amaravathi region in their inscription from Guntapalli describe themselves as Maharaja of Kalinga Mahisaka countries belonging to Mahameghavahana family.
Architecture
is the most prominent example of Mahameghavahana dynasty work. These caves were built in 2nd century BCE during the rule of King Kharavela. Udayagiri means "Sunrise Hill" and has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves. The Hathigumpha cave has the Hathigumpha inscription, written by Raja Kharavela, the king of Kalinga in India, during the 2nd centuryBCE. The Hathigumpha inscription consists of seventeen lines incised in deep cut Brahmi letters starting with JainNamokar Mantra. In Udayagiri, Hathigumpha and Ganeshagumpha are especially well known due to art treasures of their sculptures and reliefs as well as due to their historical importance. Rani ka Naur is also an extensively carved cave and elaborately embellished with sculptural friezes. Khandagiri offers a fine view back over Bhubaneswar from its summit. The Ananta cave depicts carved figures of women, elephants, athletes, and geese carrying flowers.
