Relics of Ratnagiri: Buddhist Heritage

Syllabus: GS1/Art & Culture

Context

• Archaeologists have unearthed a 1.4-meter-tall Buddha head along with 1,500-year-old tablets and stupas at Ratnagiri, Odisha, in December 2023. This significant discovery further establishes Ratnagiri as a major center of Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism), which flourished between the 6th and 12th centuries CE.
  • The recent excavation sheds light on the artistic, spiritual, and educational importance of Ratnagiri in the ancient Buddhist world.

Historical Significance of Ratnagiri

• Ratnagiri, meaning ‘Hill of Jewels’, flourished between the 6th and 12th centuries CE under the patronage of the Gupta and post-Gupta rulers.
• It was part of a broader network of Buddhist sites in Odisha, along with Lalitgiri and Udayagiri, forming the ‘Diamond Triangle’ of Buddhist heritage.
  • The presence of inscriptions, images of Bodhisattvas, and stupas indicate that Ratnagiri was a major center of Vajrayana Buddhism.
• The site is believed to have played a crucial role in the propagation of Buddhism in India and beyond, particularly towards Southeast Asia.

Relics and Artifacts

• Sacred Stupas and Relic Deposits: The presence of relic caskets, sometimes containing bone fragments, beads, or inscriptions, suggests strong religious reverence associated with these structures.
• Monasteries (Viharas) and Residential Complexes: Ratnagiri houses two well-preserved monasteries(Viharas), which served as centers for Buddhist learning and meditation.
  • The larger monastery features a grand entrance, a spacious courtyard, and numerous cells for monks.
  • The walls of these monasteries are adorned with intricate carvings, including depictions of deities such as Tara, Avalokiteshvara, and Manjushri.
• Exquisite Buddhist Sculptures:
  • Seated Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth-touching gesture), symbolizing enlightenment.
  • Dhyani Buddhas represent different aspects of Buddhist philosophy.
  • Images of Bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya.
  • Female deities like Tara, signifying the influence of Tantric Buddhism.
• Inscriptions and Copper Plates: Several inscriptions in Brahmi and Sanskrit scripts have been discovered, providing valuable historical records.
  • These inscriptions mention the patronage of Buddhist kings, donations made to the monasteries, and teachings followed at Ratnagiri. 
  • Some inscriptions hint at connections with distant Buddhist centers like Nalanda and Vikramashila.
• Terracotta Seals and Manuscripts: Excavations have also yielded terracotta seals bearing the inscriptions ‘Sri Ratnagiri Mahavihariya Arya Bhikshu Sanghasya’ indicating that Ratnagiri was an important monastic university.
  • Fragments of ancient manuscripts suggest the presence of scriptural studies and Buddhist education.

Ratnagiri’s Role in Vajrayana Buddhism (A Tantric Form)

• Numerous depictions of Vajrayana deities and the presence of esoteric Buddhist symbols suggest that this site was a key center for tantric Buddhist practices. 
• It is believed that Ratnagiri attracted scholars, monks, and practitioners from across India and beyond, contributing to the spread of Buddhist philosophy.

Note: For more details about Buddhism.

Source: TH