Summary-
Ratnagiri’s recent excavations have brought to light a 1.4-meter Buddha head, several votive stupas, and inscribed stone tablets, reaffirming its status as a major Buddhist center from the 5th–13th centuries CE. Part of Odisha’s ‘Diamond Triangle,’ Ratnagiri was a Vajrayana hub, influencing Buddhist art and philosophy across Asia. These discoveries offer fresh insights into India’s Buddhist heritage. Take a look at what makes Ratnagiri an underrated, historical site in the development of Buddhism.
Recently, interest in Odisha’s Buddhist heritage has been fueled by some intriguing discoveries, reaffirming the region’s historical significance as a major center of Buddhist learning and art. The newest excavations at Ratnagiri have revealed a 1.4-meter Buddha head, a monolithic elephant whose naturalism reminds one of the Dhauli rock-cut elephant, intricately carved votive stupas, inscribed stone tablets, and other priceless relics, shedding new light on the grandeur of this ancient Mahavihara complex. These findings, dating back to the 5th–13th centuries CE, provide fresh insights into the evolution of Buddhist thought, artistic expression, and the dynamic spiritual exchanges whose impact goes beyond the borders of modern-day India.
Odisha’s connection with Buddhism dates back over two millennia, shaping its spiritual and cultural identity. The state played a major role in the spread of Buddhism, influencing regions far beyond its borders, including Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. However, the most defining moment in this history was the Kalinga War of 261 BCE.
The war fought between Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty and the independent kingdom of Kalinga (present-day Odisha), was one of the bloodiest conflicts in ancient Indian history. Historical accounts and Ashoka’s own inscriptions suggest that the battle resulted in massive casualties—over 100,000 soldiers and civilians perished, and many more were wounded or displaced.
Overcome with remorse, Ashoka renounced aggressive military expansion and embraced Buddhism, choosing the path of non-violence, compassion, and dharma (righteousness). His famous transition from Bherighosha (the war drum’s sound) to Dhammaghosha (the call of dharma) is recorded for generations in the rock edicts at Dhauli, near Bhubaneswar.
These edicts, inscribed in Prakrit using the Brahmi script, are some of the earliest official declarations of Ashoka’s philosophy and administration. Dhauli remains a sacred site, home to the iconic rock-cut elephant, believed to be India’s oldest Buddhist sculpture, symbolizing Ashoka’s reverence for the faith. Under his patronage, Odisha grew with monasteries and Buddhist architecture at Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri.
At the heart of this legacy of Odisha lies the Diamond Triangle—the three major Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri—as repositories of the ancient and deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. These monastic complexes, emerging and growing between the 6th and 12th centuries CE, played an important role in the development of both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.
Ratnagiri, meaning ‘Hill of Jewels,’ was an eminent center of Vajrayana Buddhism and a hub for Tantric Buddhist practices. Excavations have revealed a grand monastery with elaborate votive stupas, a vast brick temple, and numerous sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
The site is particularly significant for its representation of Prajnaparamita (the goddess of transcendental wisdom) and various forms of Goddess Tara, suggesting a strong connection with esoteric Buddhist traditions. Many of these images bear iconographic similarities to Hindu goddesses, indicating a fluid exchange of religious and artistic traditions between Buddhist and Hindu sects in the region.
Udayagiri, literally translating to ‘Sunrise Hill,’ is the largest among the three sites and contains the ruins of several stupas and monastic structures. The site, often overshadowed by Ratnagiri, holds immense archaeological significance, with its carved inscriptions, terracotta seals, and sculptural remains providing insights into the Buddhist monastic life of ancient Odisha. Some of the inscriptions found here suggest royal patronage, indicating that Buddhist institutions flourished under the support of local rulers.
Lalitgiri is believed to be one of the earliest Buddhist sites in Odisha, with evidence suggesting its existence as early as the 2nd century BCE. Excavations have unearthed a massive stupa, relic caskets containing bone fragments (possibly of the Buddha or early Buddhist monks), and beautifully carved images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
The presence of relics indicates that Lalitgiri was a major pilgrimage site, reinforcing its importance in the spread of Buddhist philosophy. The presence of Buddhism continues to be felt in Odisha’s art and festivals. The annual Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav celebrates the history of the region through dance, music, and philosophical exchanges.
Moreover, the remnants of ancient Buddhist settlements along Odisha’s coastline highlight its role in maritime trade and cultural exchange with Southeast Asian countries, in festivals like Bali Jatra, a celebration of the movement of the local people to Bali, Java, Sumatra, Sri Lanka and other countries for trade.
Today, Odisha stands as a lesser-known witness to Buddhism’s impact, not as quick to come to one’s mind as Sanchi, but eternally present. It is a living museum of Buddhist thought, offering a glimpse into an era when compassion and enlightenment shaped civilizations through sermons and stones.
Ratnagiri, located in Odisha, India, was a major center of Buddhist learning and monastic activity between the 5th and 13th centuries CE. It was an important part of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition and housed a grand monastery with stupas, sculptures, and votive shrines. Ratnagiri is believed to have played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism to Southeast Asia. Excavations have revealed exquisite bronze and stone sculptures, inscriptions, and manuscripts, indicating its significance as a center of Tantric Buddhist practice and education.
The sculptures of Ratnagiri, Nalanda, and Ajanta reflect different phases and styles of Buddhist art:
👉🏿 Ratnagiri : Known for its intricate Vajrayana Buddhist sculptures, Ratnagiri features Bodhisattvas, Taras, and esoteric deities with detailed ornamentation and expressions of spiritual wisdom.
👉🏿 Nalanda : The art of Nalanda is refined and classical, with smooth finishes and gentle expressions, reflecting the influence of Gupta and Pala styles. Nalanda sculptures focus on Mahayana and Vajrayana themes.
👉🏿 Ajanta : Unlike Ratnagiri and Nalanda, Ajanta is famous for its frescoes and rock-cut sculptures that follow early Buddhist (Hinayana) and later Mahayana styles. The Ajanta figures are more narrative-driven, portraying Jataka tales with fluidity and grace.
Buddha Mudras convey different aspects of Buddhist philosophy and teachings:
👉🏿 Dhyana Mudra (Meditation Gesture) : Hands resting in the lap, palms facing upward, signifies deep meditation and inner peace.
👉🏿 Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth-Touching Gesture) : Right hand touching the ground, symbolizing the moment of Buddha’s enlightenment when he called the Earth as his witness.
👉🏿 Abhaya Mudra (Fearlessness Gesture) : Right hand raised with palm outward, symbolizing protection, reassurance, and courage.
👉🏿 Varada Mudra (Giving Gesture) : Left hand extended downward, palm outward, representing compassion and charity.
👉🏿 Dharmachakra Mudra (Teaching Gesture) : Both hands are positioned near the chest with fingers forming circles, symbolizing the first sermon of the Buddha and the Wheel of Dharma.
Buddhist sculptures in ancient India were crafted using various materials like stone, metal, wood, and stucco. The process involved:
👉🏿 Carving and Chiseling : Stone sculptures were carved using hammers and chisels, with artisans following specific iconographic guidelines.
👉🏿 Lost-Wax Casting : Bronze and metal sculptures, especially in the n Pala and Chola periods, were made using the lost-wax technique for fine detailing.
👉🏿 Painting and Gilding : Many sculptures were painted or gilded to enhance their spiritual presence.
👉🏿 Iconography Rules : Artisans adhered to religious texts, ensuring correct proportions, postures, and expressions.
Buddhist sculptures have been a powerful medium of spiritual expression for centuries, with each element holding deep symbolic meaning. Among the most iconic representations is the Buddha Head, a widely recognized symbol of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment. These heads, often adorned with intricate curls representing the Buddha’s hair and the ushnisha (a cranial bump signifying spiritual wisdom), are found in various materials, from sandstone and bronze to marble and wood.
Ratnagiri, like other great Buddhist centers, produced an extensive range of Buddhist sculptures that reflect both artistic refinement and philosophical depth. The seated Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth-touching gesture) and the Dhyana Mudra Buddha (meditative posture) are among the most revered figures found here. The sculptors of Ratnagiri skillfully depicted not just the Buddha but also Bodhisattvas, Tara, and various deities from the Vajrayana tradition, signifying the monastery’s importance in esoteric Buddhist practices.
Buddha heads symbolize wisdom, peace, and spiritual awakening. Their popularity in home decor stems from their ability to create a calming and meditative atmosphere. The serene expressions and detailed features, such as the ushnisha (crown-like bump representing enlightenment), elongated earlobes (symbolizing renunciation), and closed eyes (meditation), make them ideal for spiritual spaces, promoting mindfulness and tranquility.
Theravada Art: Primarily focuses on the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni) in simple, unadorned depictions. Found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar, its sculptures are minimalist and emphasize the monastic ideal.
👉🏿 Mahayana Art : Expands the Buddhist pantheon to include Bodhisattvas, celestial Buddhas, and elaborate narrative scenes. Found in India, China, Japan, and Korea, Mahayana art is ornate, expressive, and symbolic.
👉🏿 Vajrayana Art : Characterized by complex iconography, esoteric deities, mandalas, and tantric symbols. Prominent in Tibet, Nepal, and parts of India, it includes wrathful deities, intricate ritual objects, and depictions of enlightenment through mystical transformation.
Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage promises that there is much to be revealed by the historians and spiritual seekers who visit the site. Whether you're looking for a serene Buddha sculpture to create a peaceful space at home or want to dive into the region’s or India’s fascinating Buddhist legacy through books, Exotic India Art has a thoughtfully curated collection for you. Explore the beauty of Buddhist heritage and bring home a piece of its history today.
- The relics of Ratnagiri
- ASI unearths priceless relics at Ratnagiri including monolithic structure of elephant & colossal head of Buddha
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