Kharavela
2nd Century B.C

          Catasrophic tyranical mass annihilation (261 BC) and prohibition of ceremonies by Devanampriya Piyadasi (15 decades practice) followed by a devastating Super Cyclone had left Kalinga in a state of deep annaphalaxia. The need for fast revival of the situation en-mass was Urgent.

          Huge, Collective, Enthusiastic, Bold and Meaningfull effort was the call of time to the path of prosperity. And the two extremes (absolute fear-as in war and absolute security-as in mass recreations) held the potion to unite and charge a kingdom.

          Great Battles (Gorathagiri, Sattakarnis) and Epic Battles (Kalinga, Magadha-Anga War) were fought out with Victory in all. Large quantity of wealth was accquired. The Kingdom had extended in all directions (Anga, Magadha, Sattakarnis, Basukkis and Pandyas). 

           Lavish State Festivities and Victory Ceremonies were arranged with great expenditures, pomp and pleasure at regular intervals. "Prosperity-thy name Kalinga" was loud and clear.

         All basic needs fulfilled, the persuit of Academic, Aesthetic and Pshycological needs got rapt attention. Histrionic Arts (Natya Shastra) also should have got its pride of place. Perhaps the knowledge of the Greek and Egyptians and of course knowledge of Vedas, Shastras was available. Practice had perfected Architectural and Building Skills among (perhaps a large Sect of) people (Jinnasena ?).
          There was the Need, the Knowledge of Shastras, the Skill of people, the Resources apleanty and Mahameghabahana Kalingadhipati Aira Raja Kharavela had a great occasion (Magadha Victory) after all victories, to create the Maha Vijaya Smaraka on Kumari Parbata (Udayagiri hills). And thus the first Permanent Theatre (Rani Gumpha) in Kalinga (may be in Bharata) came into existence. And the period was 2nd century BC.

Dwibhumi Natamandapa Kharavela with family for the inauguration.

Royal Family seated on Supitham Shiva Tandava at the inauguration.
Rani Gumpha at Udayagiri,BBSR is a theatre by Kharavela.