Unveiling the Ancient Buddhist Legacy of Ratnagiri, Odisha

In December 2024, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed excavations at the historic Buddhist complex in Ratnagiri, Odisha, after a 60-year hiatus. Spearheaded by ASI’s superintending archaeologist D B Garnayak, the project seeks to further uncover Ratnagiri’s rich history and explore material evidence of Odisha’s connection to Southeast Asia’s cultural and maritime heritage.

Recent Discoveries at Ratnagiri

The ongoing excavations have revealed a treasure trove of artifacts and architectural remains that provide crucial insights into the site’s past. Key discoveries include:

• A Colossal Buddha Head: This significant find, estimated to date back to the 8th-9th century AD, highlights the intricate craftsmanship of the era.
• A Massive Palm Sculpture: Likely part of a larger Buddha statue, this artifact reflects the artistic and spiritual vibrancy of ancient Ratnagiri.
• An Ancient Wall and Inscribed Relics: These relics not only reveal the structural complexity of the site but also hint at its significance as a center of Buddhist learning and worship.

Historical Context of Buddhism in Odisha

Ashoka’s Legacy and the Spread of Buddhism

Odisha’s deep connection with Buddhism can be traced back to Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (304-232 BCE). Following his invasion of Kalinga in 261 BCE, Ashoka was profoundly affected by the devastation of war. This emotional transformation led him to embrace Buddhism, making him one of its greatest patrons. Under Ashoka’s rule, Buddhism flourished and spread across his empire and beyond, reaching Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

The Bhaumakara Dynasty’s Contribution

Between the 8th and 10th centuries, the Bhaumakara dynasty played a pivotal role in fostering Buddhism in Odisha. Their reign marked the construction of many significant Buddhist sites, including Ratnagiri, which became a major center of learning and spiritual practice during this period.

Geographical and Cultural Importance of Ratnagiri

Location and Topography

Ratnagiri, meaning “Hills of Jewels,” is located in Jajpur district, approximately 100 km northeast of Bhubaneswar. The site stands on a hill between the Birupa and Brahmani rivers, forming part of the renowned Diamond Triangle of Odisha, alongside Udaygiri and Lalitgiri.

Odisha’s Maritime Links with Southeast Asia

Odisha’s historical ties to Southeast Asia are evident in its long-standing trade and cultural exchanges. Key items of trade included pepper, cinnamon, silk, gold, and camphor, which were exchanged with regions like Java, Sumatra, and Bali. These interactions played a significant role in spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia.

The Baliyatra festival, an annual event commemorating these maritime links, underscores the deep cultural connections between ancient Kalinga and Southeast Asian regions.

Ratnagiri: A Center of Buddhist Learning

The Peak Period of Ratnagiri

Experts date the site to the 5th-13th centuries, with its peak period of construction between the 7th and 10th centuries. During this time, Ratnagiri emerged as a hub for the Mahayana and Tantrayana (Vajrayana) sects of Buddhism.

Comparison with Nalanda

According to Thomas Donaldson, an expert on Odisha’s Buddhist heritage, Ratnagiri rivaled Nalanda as a center of Buddhist learning. Tibetan texts suggest that Ratnagiri was instrumental in the development of mystical practices associated with Vajrayana Buddhism.

Previous Excavations and Discoveries

Early Efforts by Debala Mitra

The first extensive excavations at Ratnagiri were conducted between 1958 and 1961, led by archaeologist Debala Mitra. These efforts unearthed:

• A brick stupa.
• Three monastic complexes.
• Hundreds of votive and commemorative stupas.

These findings underscored Ratnagiri’s significance as a spiritual and academic hub.

Renewed Focus by Garnayak

The latest excavation, led by D B Garnayak, aims to:

• Uncover partially visible structures and sculptures.
• Explore the presence of a shrine or chaitya complex.
• Study the ceramic assemblage at the site, a crucial aspect overlooked in earlier excavations.

Significance of Recent Excavations

The discoveries reaffirm Odisha’s status as a center of Buddhist learning and its pivotal role in the religion’s dissemination to Southeast Asia. They also highlight the need for continued exploration and preservation of such sites to deepen our understanding of ancient Indian history.

Government Initiatives and Future Prospects

Tourism and Infrastructure Development

The Odisha government has undertaken various initiatives to promote heritage tourism, including:

• Restoration of historical sites like Ratnagiri.
• Infrastructure development to improve accessibility.

Cultural Revival

Efforts are also being made to spotlight Odisha’s Buddhist legacy on a global stage, thereby boosting both cultural pride and economic opportunities for local communities.

Summary of the News

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed excavations at Ratnagiri, Odisha, after 60 years.
Recent Discoveries	– Colossal Buddha Head (8th-9th century AD).
	– Massive Palm Sculpture, likely part of a larger Buddha statue.
	– Ancient Wall and Inscribed Relics.
Historical Context	Ashoka’s Legacy: Embraced Buddhism after Kalinga war (261 BCE), promoting its spread.
	Bhaumakara Dynasty: Fostered Buddhism in Odisha (8th-10th centuries).
Geographical Significance	Located in Jajpur, Odisha, part of the “Diamond Triangle” with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri.
	Situated on a hill between the Birupa and Brahmani rivers.
Cultural Importance	Key center of Mahayana and Tantrayana Buddhism (5th-13th centuries).
	Played a role in spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia through trade and cultural links.
Comparison with Nalanda	Ratnagiri rivaled Nalanda as a hub of Buddhist learning, especially for Vajrayana practices.
Previous Excavations	Conducted by Debala Mitra (1958-1961): Unearthed stupas, monastic complexes, and artifacts.
	Current efforts by D B Garnayak: Focus on exploring hidden structures and ceramic assemblages.
Government Initiatives	Promoting heritage tourism, restoring sites, and boosting global recognition of Buddhist legacy.
Future Prospects	Continued preservation, deeper historical exploration, and cultural-economic revival.