The renewed excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Ratnagiri in Odisha have uncovered significant artifacts that date back to the 5th to 13th centuries CE. This site, renowned as a prominent center of Buddhism, has shed light on both the cultural richness of Odisha and its connections to Southeast Asia. Significant finds during this excavation include:
- A 3-4 foot-tall colossal Buddha head and a 5-foot-long sculpted palm, both exemplifying the advanced artistry of ancient Odisha.
- An ancient inscribed wall and relics, all pointing to the site’s vibrant role as a spiritual and artistic hub in the 8th and 9th centuries CE.
This renewed focus comes decades after earlier excavations (1958–1961) unearthed a brick stupa, three monastic complexes, and hundreds of votive stupas that reinforced Ratnagiri’s stature as a major Buddhist center. The discovery of partially buried structures and sculptures has prompted researchers to reexamine the site to uncover hidden relics and determine their potential cultural connections to Southeast Asia.
How Did Buddhism Flourish in Odisha, and What Made Ratnagiri Significant?
Odisha has long been associated with Buddhism, with its roots tracing back to the era of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. His infamous invasion of Kalinga in 261 BCE marked a turning point, as the devastation of war inspired him to embrace Buddhism and propagate its teachings across his empire and beyond, including Southeast Asia.
Buddhism in Odisha particularly thrived under the Bhaumakara dynasty (8th–10th centuries CE), during which significant construction activity occurred in Buddhist centers like Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri. Ratnagiri stood out for several reasons:
- The site played a key role in the evolution of Mahayana and Vajrayana (Tantrayana) Buddhism, schools that integrated mystical practices and philosophical concepts into Buddhist thought.
- Scholars suggest Ratnagiri rivaled other famed Buddhist centers like Nalanda, as Tibetan texts hint at its importance as a center for Buddhist learning and artistic excellence.
- Evidence points to its peak construction activity occurring between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, making it a hub for both religious teachings and artistic creation during this period.
Even today, Ratnagiri continues to captivate historians and archaeologists with its layered history, suggesting it was a focal point for Buddhism in eastern India and its adjacent regions.
What Evidence Links Ratnagiri to Southeast Asia’s Buddhist Traditions?
Odisha’s maritime history is intertwined with its role as a propagator of Buddhism. Historians note that the ancient kingdom of Kalinga maintained flourishing trade and cultural connections with Southeast Asian regions such as Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Myanmar.
- Trade items like spices, silk, gold, and jewelry were exchanged with Southeast Asian kingdoms, reinforcing not just economic ties but also religious and cultural influence.
- The celebrated Baliyatra festival in Odisha commemorates these ancient trade routes and is a living reminder of the region’s rich maritime heritage.
- Merchant brothers Tapassu and Bhallika, believed to be from Utkala (an ancient name for Odisha), were among Buddha’s first disciples, highlighting the region’s contributions to the spread of Buddhism.
New discoveries at Ratnagiri aim to explore this cultural connection further. Researchers are examining if architectural and ceramic features found on-site reflect Southeast Asian influence. The colossal sculptures, ceremonial structures, and inscriptions suggest that Ratnagiri might have been part of a larger international Buddhist network that spanned Asia.
How Do the Recent Discoveries Add to Ratnagiri’s Historical Narrative?
Archaeologists working at Ratnagiri have emphasized the importance of recovering more about the site’s ceramic assemblage, monumental sculptures, and prayer halls to build a fuller picture of ancient Buddhist practices. These latest findings include:
- Newly uncovered partially visible structures, possibly chaityas or prayer halls, that hint at organized religious gatherings and rituals.
- Material evidence of Buddhist influence in the form of inscribed relics and sculptures, underscoring Ratnagiri’s role as a thriving hub of religious activity.
Experts like Sunil Patnaik from the Odisha Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies view these discoveries as further evidence of Ratnagiri’s historical importance. The monastic complexes and architectural remains point to an environment where art, religion, and education flourished simultaneously.
Why Does Ratnagiri Continue to Be Central to Understanding Odisha’s Buddhist History?
The strategic significance of Ratnagiri lies not just in its archaeological treasures but in the broader context of Odisha’s Buddhist heritage. The “Diamond Triangle” of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri represents a trinity of ancient learning, religious activity, and cultural exchange.
- Despite there being no direct evidence of Buddha visiting Odisha during his lifetime, scholars agree that Buddhism flourished under local rulers who played a vital role in spreading its teachings across Asia.
- Ratnagiri and its neighboring sites exemplify how Buddhism served as a cultural and intellectual bridge between India and Southeast Asia.
- The recent excavation efforts by archaeologists like D.B. Garnayak signal a renewed commitment to uncovering more about this incredible heritage site, which will continue for several more months.
Experts believe that Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese Buddhist monk who visited Odisha during 638–639 CE, may have recorded his impressions of the region while noting its advanced state of Buddhist activity. Findings from Ratnagiri may soon confirm this connection, adding further weight to Odisha’s historical narrative.