Just 7 kms west of Bhubaneswar are the
twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the next major Orissan historical monument
after Ashoka's rock-cut edict.
The rocks of the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to
create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were
the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun
in the first century BC. Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty,
who is known for expansion of the Kalinga empire and his installation of public
improvements, such as canal systems.
As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left.
Udaygiri will be on the right. The 18 caves of Udaygiri include the famous Hathi
Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') with its famous inscription of Kharavela.
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