A team of 15 archaeologists conducting excavations at Ratnagiri hills in Odisha's Jajpur district has uncovered rare Buddhist artifacts, offering fresh insights into ancient Kalinga's historical ties with Southeast Asia. The excavation, led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), resumed on December 5 after a hiatus of 63 years.
The significant findings include three colossal stone Buddha heads, intricate inscriptions, votive stupas, and various artifacts that provide valuable clues about the region’s past. Ratnagiri, located approximately 80 km from Bhubaneswar, has long been recognized as part of Odisha’s "Diamond Triangle," along with Udayagiri and Lalitgiri—important Buddhist sites dating from the 5th to 13th centuries CE.
Rare Discoveries: Perfectly Preserved Buddha Heads
Highlighting the significance of the recent excavation, ASI’s Superintending Archaeologist (Puri circle) Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak expressed astonishment at the exceptional quality of the newly unearthed Buddha heads."These are extremely beautiful and perfect works of art carved from stone. Even subtle details, like wrinkles on the neck, are remarkably preserved," Garnayak noted.
Unlike earlier excavations conducted between 1958 and 1961, when recovered Buddha statues often had damaged noses and ears, the new discoveries are remarkably intact. One of these Buddha heads, measuring about 1.5 meters in height, is the largest such artifact ever found at Ratnagiri. Alongside it, a stone pedestal designed specifically to hold the Buddha head was also discovered, adding to the site's archaeological significance.
Additionally, the team found a finely sculpted stone elephant and numerous stone-carved palms and fingers from Buddha statues.
New Shrine Complex and Votive Stupas Revealed
The archaeologists have also uncovered a previously unknown shrine complex alongside a substantial collection of votive stupas—symbolic mounds honoring Lord Buddha. The abundance of votive stupas highlights Ratnagiri’s historical importance as a prominent religious hub for Buddhist monks."Finding such a large number of votive stupas clearly indicates Ratnagiri's vital role as a religious and spiritual center," said Garnayak.
Pottery and Artifacts Offer Insights into Ancient Daily Life
The excavation has also led to the recovery of clay pottery believed to date back 1,200 to 1,300 years. Researchers suggest these artifacts could offer crucial insights into ancient people's food habits, spiritual practices, and social life. Other items discovered, such as household articles and terracotta toys depicting animals like dogs and elephants, further enrich understanding of the region’s historical culture and lifestyle.Additionally, the excavation yielded an ancient wall and inscribed relics, dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries CE.
Ratnagiri’s Historical Significance in Buddhism's Spread
Historian Anil Dhir emphasized Ratnagiri's significance, noting that Buddhism gained prominence in the region following Emperor Ashoka's Kalinga War (261 BCE). Ratnagiri became a vital center for Mahayana and Tantrayana Buddhism, significantly contributing to Buddhism's dissemination across Southeast Asia.With these groundbreaking discoveries, archaeologists expect deeper insights into Ratnagiri's pivotal role in Buddhist history and ancient Kalinga's extensive cultural ties.