Kalinga


Kalinga

 

in antiquity, a kingdom in eastern India (on the territory of modern-day Orissa). Kalinga was conquered by Asoka in approximately 260 B.C. Circa 220 B.C. it became independent once again. It reached its height of development during the rule of Kharavela (second or first century B.C.), who conducted a number of successful military campaigns and subdued even Magadha. Under Kharavela’s successors, Kalinga lost its former power. In the seventh century, according to Hsuan Tsang, the territory of Kalinga became deserted and was overgrown by jungles.