The Prime Minister inaugurated a museum at Lalitgiri in Odisha, bringing into focus the region’s significant Buddhist settlements. Also known as the diamond triangle of Odisha, places like Lalitgiri (the red hill), Ratnagiri (hill of precious gems), and Udayagiri (the hill of the rising sun) display a rich heritage of architecture and sculpture from the post-Mauryan era Indian art scene. These places were once recognized for their excellence in artistry.
Lalitgiri: The Red Hill
Lalitgiri holds a special place among the three sites. It is here that archaeologists discovered a massive stupa, which contained the relic of Buddha within a stone casket. In addition, the excavation unearthed structural remains of a large brick-built apsidal chaitya griha with a circular stupa at its center.
Most of the sculptures excavated from this site depict Buddha in various poses, indicating the Mahayana phase of Buddhism. Inscribed potsherds belonging to different periods, from the post-Mauryan days to the 8th-9th century A.D., suggest that Lalitgiri was occupied by both Hinayana and Mahayana sects.
Table of Findings
| Site | Discovery Date | Major Finds |
|---|---|---|
| Lalitgiri | 1985 | Buddha Relic, Stone Casket, Apsidal Chaitya Griha, Inscribed Potteries |
| Ratnagiri | 1958 | Stupas, Monastic Complex, Architectural Fragments |
| Udayagiri | 1985 | Monastic Complex, Terracotta Sealings, Various Buddha Images |
The Diamond Triangle’s Rich Historical Influence
Historian Xuanzang, a Chinese pilgrim who visited Orissa around 639 A.D., left behind a detailed account of the flourishing state of Buddhism at that time. The discovery of numerous items such as sculptures, images, antiquities, stone tablets, potteries, coins, and many large stupas cemented the belief that these three places are indeed the ruins of the university complex known as Pushpagiri University. This institution shared the same prestige as the famous Nalanda and Vikramshila universities.
Udayagiri: The Hill of the Rising Sun
Udayagiri, also known as Madhavapura Mahavihara, served as an important Buddhist center between the 7th and 12th centuries. Partial excavation revealed a two-storied monastic complex dating back to the 8th century A.D. Antiquities showcasing images of Buddha, Tara, Manjusri, Avalokitesvara, Jatamukuta Lokesvara, along with terracotta sealings, were discovered at this site.
Ratnagiri: The Hill of Precious Gems
Archaeologists excavating Ratnagiri discovered remnants of a grand Buddhist establishment comprising a stupa, monastic complex, shrines, votive stupas, lots of sculptures, architectural fragments, and other antiquities. Among the findings were enormous Buddha heads, similar to those discovered in Barbadur in Indonesia and Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. These discoveries corroborate the fact that Buddhism was widely followed in Odisha and the region was a prominent center of learning and excellence.