Hidden in the lush hills of Odisha, India, lies a remarkable window into the past—Ratnagiri, an ancient Buddhist site nestled in the Assia hill range. For centuries, this sacred land has held onto its secrets, but recent excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have unearthed stunning new discoveries. Three colossal Buddha heads, hundreds of intricately carved stupas, and stone inscriptions have emerged from the earth, offering a fascinating glimpse into Odisha’s profound role in shaping Buddhist art, architecture, and culture.

A Shrine Complex Emerges

The excavation, which began in December 2024, has been a huge  process, with a 50-strong team of archaeologists carefully chipping away at the soil to reveal the hidden treasures. The site, spread across 18 acres, has excavated a large Buddhist shrine complex, complete with three colossal Buddha heads, each with  carvings and  elongated earlobes. The beautifully crafted heads, dating back to the 8th century CE, depict Buddha  with partially closed eyes. The discovery of these magnificent heads has sent waves of excitement through the archaeological community, highlighting the significance of Ratnagiri as a major Buddhist center.

Unraveling the Secrets of Ratnagiri

As the excavation continues, archaeologists are  getting  a wealth of information about Ratnagiri's past. The site, which was under the Bhaumakara dynasty during the 9th-10th century CE, was an important center of learning for yoga and tantra. The discovery of hundreds of  stupas, has provided valuable insights into the  features of Vajrayana Buddhism. The presence of idols of Buddhist gods and goddesses, including Tara, Chunda, and Avalokitesvara, has further marked the site's importance as a major Buddhist hub.

The excavation has also uncovered pottery shards, revealing that the site's ceramic assemblage is predominantly greyware, followed by redware pottery. These ceramics, dating from the 7th–8th century CE to the 14th century CE, provide a vital link to Odisha's medieval pottery traditions. Among the most striking discoveries is a broken monolithic elephant, measuring five feet in length and over 3.5 feet in height. This magnificent sculpture stands out as one of the largest and most gracefully crafted of its kind in Odisha.

As the excavation progresses, archaeologists hope to uncover more secrets about Ratnagiri's majestic past, shedding light on Odisha's significant contribution to Buddhist heritage. The site's importance extends beyond India, as it is believed to have had maritime links with Southeast Asian countries, facilitating the spread of Buddhist ideas and culture. With each new discovery, Ratnagiri is emerging as a treasure of Buddhist history, waiting to be explored and understood.

The ASI plans to continue the excavation for several more months, with the aim of tracing out more monastic evidence and understanding the site's pottery assemblage. As the excavation progresses, one thing is certain Ratnagiri is poised to take its rightful place as one of India's most significant Buddhist sites, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.