Source: IE
Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently resumed excavations at Ratnagiri, a significant Buddhist site in Odisha.
About Ratnagiri Excavation:
- Location: Ratnagiri is located in Jajpur district, Odisha, approximately 100 km northeast of Bhubaneswar.
- It is part of the Diamond Triangle of Odisha, along with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri.
- Artifacts found in recent excavations:
- Colossal Buddha Head: Measuring 3–4 feet in height.
- Massive Palm: Approximately 5 feet long.
- Ancient Wall: Uncovered alongside Buddhist relics.
- Inscribed Relics: Dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries AD.
- Ratnagiri and the History of Buddhism:
- Ratnagiri flourished between the 5th and 13th centuries, with its peak construction occurring between the 7th and 10th centuries.
- It was a center for Mahayana and Tantrayana (Vajrayana) Buddhism.
- Buddhism in Odisha gained prominence under Mauryan Emperor Ashoka after the Kalinga War (261 BCE).
- The site likely served as a hub for spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia, supported by Odisha’s ancient maritime trade links.
- Significance of Ratnagiri:
- Historical Significance: Rivaled Nalanda as a Buddhist learning center.
- Cultural Heritage: Home to votive stupas, monasteries, and relics, showcasing the evolution of Buddhist art and architecture.
- Global Links: Evidence suggests close connections with Southeast Asia through trade and religious exchanges.
- Educational Hub: Likely visited by Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang in 638–639 AD.
- Maritime Legacy: Part of Odisha’s celebrated Baliyatra, commemorating trade links with regions like Java, Sumatra, and Bali.
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