The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c24.82

v1.c24.82

A Nanda king is twice mentioned in the Hāthigumphā inscription of king Khāravela of Kaliṅga (Orissa). The inscription, which is a record of events in thirteen (or fourteen) years of the king's reign, has been badly preserved. Considerable portions have been lost, and both the reading and the interpretation of many passages are uncertain. The record in its present state can only be used as a basis for history with the utmost caution. It is clear, however, that in his fifth year Khāravela executed some public work which was associated with the memory of king Nanda⁴, and that in his twelfth year he gained a victory over the king of Magadha and, according to Mr Jayaswal's translation¹, recovered certain trophies which had been carried away by king Nanda.