Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage Site

GS 1 – HISTORY

Context:
In December, archaeologists uncovered a colossal 1.4-meter-tall Buddha head, along with tablets and stupas over 1,500 years old, at Ratnagiri, Odisha. This discovery reaffirms Ratnagiri’s role as a prominent hub for Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism, drawing scholars from across the world.

Overview of Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage Site

Location:

• Ratnagiri is located in Odisha’s Jajpur district and forms part of the Diamond Triangle of Buddhist heritage, along with Lalitgiri and Udayagiri.
• Nestled between the Brahmani, Kimiria, and Birupa rivers, the site offers a peaceful and strategic setting ideal for Buddhist practices and scholarship.

Historical Timeline:

• The earliest evidence of Buddhist settlement at Ratnagiri dates back to the 5th century AD, thriving until the 13th century.
• Vajrayana Buddhist practices continued here until the 16th century, highlighting its prolonged religious importance.

Excavation Phases & Key Discoveries:

• Initial Discovery (1906): Manmohan Chakravarti first reported Buddhist artifacts at the site.
• Systematic Excavation (1958–1961): Under the leadership of Debala Mitra, the first female Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the site underwent extensive study.
• Recent Excavation (Dec 2024 – Mar 2025): The latest dig, sanctioned by the ASI Director General, focuses on unearthing partially visible structures and possibly a shrine complex.

Key Relics Found at Ratnagiri:

• Buddha Head: A 1.4-meter-tall Buddha head, the tallest found in Odisha and possibly India.
• Votive Stupas: Neatly arranged stupas indicate Ratnagiri’s role as an active Buddhist pilgrimage site.
• Monasteries & Shrine Complex: Two monasteries and a central stupa highlight the site’s religious importance.
• Stone Tablets & Inscriptions: Kutila script (Siddhamatrika) inscriptions in Sanskrit confirm the site’s strong Buddhist heritage.
• Buddhist Icons: Sculptures of deities like Amoghasiddhi, Ratnasambhava, Akshobhya, Amitabha, Tara, and Marici were discovered.
• Brick & Stone Structures: Durable masonry techniques have preserved these ancient structures over time.