🏺 Ratnagiri Excavations Resume in Odisha
Uncovering Buddhist Links to Southeast Asia

🧱 ASI Rekindles Exploration at Historic Buddhist Complex

After a 60-year pause, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has resumed excavations at the Ratnagiri Buddhist complex in Odisha. This ancient site, once a flourishing Buddhist centre, is now under the archaeological spotlight again — revealing spectacular relics that underscore its spiritual and international significance. 🛕🌏

📜 Historical Significance

• 🗓️ Timeframe: Ratnagiri flourished from the 5th to 13th centuries CE, with a construction peak during the 7th–10th centuries.
• 🧠 It was a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, once rivaling Nalanda.
• 🏛️ Believed to be influenced by Emperor Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism post his Kalinga war transformation.

🪨 Recent Discoveries

• 🪷 A colossal Buddha head and a five-foot palm have been unearthed.
• 📝 Relics date back to the 8th and 9th centuries, with inscriptions enhancing historical understanding.
• These finds revive scholarly interest in the role of Kalinga (Odisha) in Buddhist propagation. 🧘‍♂️

🧭 A Look Back: Previous Excavations

• Last major digs occurred between 1958–1961, led by archaeologist Debala Mitra.
• Discoveries included:
  • 🧱 Brick stupa
  • 🏯 Monastic complexes
  • 🛕 Over 300 votive stupas
• These revealed a complex Buddhist society with architectural and religious depth.

🌊 Trade Links to Southeast Asia

• Kalinga’s maritime trade with Bali, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand shaped spiritual and cultural exchanges.
• Commodities like spices, silk, gems, and ivory were exported via ancient ports.
• ⚓ The Baliyatra festival, held in Cuttack, celebrates these historic sea voyages.

🧘 Buddhist Legacy & Oral Traditions

• Though Buddha never visited Odisha directly, the region played a major role in spreading Buddhism eastward.
• 🚢 Merchant disciples Tapassu and Bhallika, believed to be from Odisha, were among Buddha’s first followers.
• Odisha’s Buddhist legacy influenced art, literature, and cultural identity across Southeast Asia.

🧪 Ongoing and Future Excavations

• The current excavation phase will continue for another 1–2 months.
• The ASI intends to:
  • Explore material culture
  • Identify international linkages
  • Unearth additional monastic and ritual structures 🧱🔍

📌 Why It Matters

These discoveries do more than uncover stones — they connect ancient Odisha to global Buddhist narratives, rekindling awareness of India’s role in shaping spiritual paths across Asia.
Ratnagiri is not just a site — it’s a story waiting to be retold. 🌏📖