Archaeological Excavation Resumes at Historic Ratnagiri Buddhist Site | Bhubaneswar News
Kendrapada: After 63 years, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to resume excavation at the historic Buddhist site of Ratnagiri in Odisha’s Jajpur district this month. The project will be carried out in collaboration with researchers from Utkal University, Sambalpur University and Cotton University, Guwahati.
Superintending Archaeologist of ASI, Puri circle, Dr DB Garnayak said the decision to involve university researchers comes as part of ASI’s initiative to outsource excavation projects to address staff and resource shortages. “Preliminary work, including cleaning of earlier excavation trenches, soil removal, site mapping, and setting up of infrastructure, is currently underway,” Garnayak told reporters.
Ratnagiri, known as the “Hill of Jewels”, was first discovered in 1905 by Manmohan Chakravarty, then sub-divisional officer of Jajpur. The site gained prominence following extensive excavations between 1958 and 1961 led by ASI’s Debala Mitra, which unveiled a remarkable Buddhist complex dating from 5th to 13th century AD.
The site’s historical significance was confirmed by seals bearing the inscription “Sri Ratnagiri Maha Viharaya Arya Bhikshu Sanghasa”. It flourished under the Bhaumakara dynasty’s patronage during the 9th-10th century, featuring unique architectural elements like an exquisitely carved chlorite door frame. “Ratnagiri rivals Nalanda in its monastic establishment and competes with Bodh Gaya in its collection of monolithic stupas,” Garnayak said, citing Mitra’s assessment.
The new excavation is expected to uncover additional evidence about the site’s history and Buddhism’s evolution in Odisha. “This fresh investigation could provide crucial insights into the region’s Buddhist heritage,” Garnayak added.
Superintending Archaeologist of ASI, Puri circle, Dr DB Garnayak said the decision to involve university researchers comes as part of ASI’s initiative to outsource excavation projects to address staff and resource shortages. “Preliminary work, including cleaning of earlier excavation trenches, soil removal, site mapping, and setting up of infrastructure, is currently underway,” Garnayak told reporters.
Ratnagiri, known as the “Hill of Jewels”, was first discovered in 1905 by Manmohan Chakravarty, then sub-divisional officer of Jajpur. The site gained prominence following extensive excavations between 1958 and 1961 led by ASI’s Debala Mitra, which unveiled a remarkable Buddhist complex dating from 5th to 13th century AD.
The site’s historical significance was confirmed by seals bearing the inscription “Sri Ratnagiri Maha Viharaya Arya Bhikshu Sanghasa”. It flourished under the Bhaumakara dynasty’s patronage during the 9th-10th century, featuring unique architectural elements like an exquisitely carved chlorite door frame. “Ratnagiri rivals Nalanda in its monastic establishment and competes with Bodh Gaya in its collection of monolithic stupas,” Garnayak said, citing Mitra’s assessment.
The new excavation is expected to uncover additional evidence about the site’s history and Buddhism’s evolution in Odisha. “This fresh investigation could provide crucial insights into the region’s Buddhist heritage,” Garnayak added.
