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Discovers Colossal Buddha Head and Giant Palm
Context:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently made a remarkable discovery at the ancient Buddhist site of Ratnagiri in Odisha. Archaeologists unearthed a colossal Buddha head and a massive palm during their latest excavation.
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The ASI resumed excavations at the 5th-13th Century Buddhist complex in Ratnagiri, Odisha, after 60 years. The excavation aims to uncover more of the site and find material evidence of Odisha’s links with Southeast Asian culture.
Current Excavation Objectives
- Unearth partially visible structures and sculptures, potentially including a shrine or chaitya complex.
- Study the ceramic assemblage and material culture for Southeast Asian connections.
- Investigate the cultural context of the colossal Buddha head and other artifacts.
The Discovery
- Colossal Buddha Head: A 3-4 feet tall Buddha head.
- Massive Palm: A 5 feet tall palm sculpture.
- Ancient Wall and Inscribed Buddhist Relics: Dating back to the 8th-9th Century AD.
Historical Significance of Ratnagiri
- Located 100 km northeast of Bhubaneswar, Ratnagiri is part of Odisha’s famed Diamond Triangle alongside Udaygiri and Lalitgiri.
- The site was first documented in 1905 and underwent its last major excavation from 1958–1961, led by archaeologist Debala Mitra.
- Previous excavations revealed a brick stupa, three monastic complexes, and hundreds of votive and commemorative stupas.
Odisha’s Maritime and Buddhist Links with Southeast Asia
- Odisha’s historical trade with Southeast Asia included pepper, cinnamon, silk, gold, and jewellery.
- The annual Baliyatra festival commemorates these ancient maritime ties with regions like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka.
- Kalinga (ancient Odisha) is believed to have played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia through trade.
Role of Ashoka and the Bhaumakara Dynasty
- Mauryan Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War (261 BCE) and helped propagate it to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
- Buddhism flourished in Odisha under the Bhaumakara dynasty (8th–10th century).
Ratnagiri’s Legacy as a Centre for Buddhist Learning
- Active between the 5th and 13th centuries, Ratnagiri’s peak construction occurred in the 7th–10th centuries.
- Renowned as a rival to Nalanda, Ratnagiri is believed to have been central to the Mahayana and Tantrayana (Vajrayana) sects of Buddhism.
- Tibetan texts suggest its prominence, and there is speculation that Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang visited Ratnagiri during 638–639 AD.
Ongoing and Future Excavations
- Excavations will continue for another month or two, focusing on understanding the site’s lifestyle, culture, and architecture across eras.
- Further excavations may be planned based on findings and requirements, as per ASI officials.
This renewed focus on Ratnagiri highlights Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage and its historical ties to Southeast Asia, potentially uncovering more about its cultural and religious significance.
