ASI Resumes Excavation at Odisha’s Ratnagiri After Major Buddhist Discoveries
The Buddhist Channel, 5 Feb 2025
Jajpur, Odisha (India) -- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has resumed excavation at the Ratnagiri Buddhist heritage site in Odisha’s Jajpur district, more than six decades after its initial exploration. The decision follows the discovery of three large Buddha heads, a massive palm sculpture, an ancient wall, and inscriptions—findings that reaffirm Ratnagiri’s significance in India’s Buddhist history.

Ratnagiri is part of Odisha’s “Diamond Triangle” of Buddhist sites, which also includes Udayagiri and Lalitgiri. These sites once housed thriving monasteries linked to the Vajrayana sect of Buddhism during the rule of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty.
The recent discoveries were made by historian and Buddhist researcher Dr. Harish Chandra Prusty, principal of Sahaspur College. Dr. Prusty uncovered the sculptures at Baujang Naga mutt in Bikramtiran panchayat, located in the Badachana block of Jajpur. His excavation followed the detection of a 40-square-meter brick and stone structure. He noted that the brick sculptures resemble those found in Udayagiri, Lalitgiri, Nalanda, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Nagarjunakonda, indicating they likely belong to the same historical period.
In 2012, two Buddhist caves were discovered in Jajpur, showing similarities to caves previously excavated by the ASI at Neulipur, Kaima, Deuli, Gokarneswar, Brajagiri, Biddhalinga, and other sites across Odisha. Recognizing the importance of these findings, Dr. Prusty has urged the state government to take steps toward preservation.
Among the recent discoveries are two black stone Buddha sculptures, measuring eight and seven feet, with inscriptions. Two additional sculptures, each measuring 1.6 feet, depict lotus flowers at the base.
From the 7th to the 11th century, Buddhism flourished in Odisha under the Bhauma-Kara and Somvamshi dynasties before declining after their fall. Archaeologists believe there may still be more undiscovered Buddhist heritage sites in the region.
The ASI had previously excavated the area between 1957 and 1961 under the supervision of Debdatta Mitra, uncovering numerous Buddha statues, monastic structures, and Vajrayana Buddhist imagery.
Experts have long called for greater efforts to protect Odisha’s Buddhist heritage. Dr. Bimalendu Mohanty, vice president of the Mahabodhi Society of India and former vice chancellor of Utkal University of Culture, noted in a 2014 interview that Buddhist art reached an advanced stage under the Bhauma-Karas. However, he also raised concerns about the neglect of sites like Langudi, where valuable sculptures remain unprotected.
“Many important artifacts are exposed to the elements, and some excavation sites are being misused by locals,” Dr. Mohanty said, urging authorities to take action.
With the ASI now returning to Ratnagiri, researchers and conservationists hope that renewed efforts will shed more light on Odisha’s Buddhist past and ensure its preservation for future generations.