ASI to resume excavations at Historic Buddhist Site Ratnagiri after 63 Years

Archaeological Survey of India plans excavations at Ratnagiri in Jajpur district of Odisha

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is all set to resume excavations at Ratnagiri in the Jajpur district of Odisha after a gap of 63 years. The excavations, which will begin in November 2023, are expected to shed new light on the history of the ancient Buddhist site.

Ratnagiri, an ancient Buddhist site in Odisha

Ratnagiri is a hilltop site located in the Jajpur district of Odisha. It was once a major Buddhist centre and is home to a number of Buddhist monuments, including stupas, monasteries, and sculptures.

The site was first excavated in 1938 by the then Superintendent of Orissa Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India, K. N. Dikshit. The excavations revealed a number of important Buddhist structures, including a large stupa, a monastery, and a number of smaller stupas.

Excavations to shed light on Ratnagiri's Buddhist past

The upcoming excavations are expected to shed new light on the history of Ratnagiri and its role as a Buddhist centre. The ASI team will be using a variety of techniques, including geophysical surveys and remote sensing, to identify and excavate new areas of the site.

The excavations are also expected to provide new information about the chronology of Ratnagiri and its relationship with other Buddhist sites in the region.

Ratnagiri excavation expected to boost tourism

In addition to its historical significance, Ratnagiri is also a popular tourist destination. The excavations are expected to boost tourism in the area and help to promote the site's rich cultural heritage.

The ASI has already begun preparations for the excavations, and a team of archaeologists has been assembled to carry out the work. The excavations are expected to take several months to complete.

Ratnagiri excavations to provide new insights into ancient Buddhist site

The excavations at Ratnagiri are expected to provide new insights into the history of this ancient Buddhist site. The ASI team is hopeful that the excavations will shed light on the site's chronology, its role as a Buddhist centre, and its relationship with other Buddhist sites in the region.

The excavations are also expected to boost tourism in the area and help to promote the site's rich cultural heritage.