The excavation conducted by Archaeological Survey of India at Ratnagiri have yielded various interesting structures of the during the reign of the Gupta king Narasimha Baladitya in the first half of the sixth century CE. These structures were built till 12th century CE.
One among them is Stupa No 1 located on the south-western flank of the highest part of the hill. This large brick stupa has a 47 feet square base with a height of 17 feet. Sadly the superstructure is missing and it consists of five recesses and six projections.
It is surrounded by a large number of votive Stupas of varying dimensions.
There are hundreds of miniature votive stupas decorated with lotus petals and beaded tassels.
Monastery No. 1 at Ratangiri is the biggest monastery excavated in Orissa. The construction of monastery is assignable to 8th-9th century A.D.
This south facing monastery is quadrangular in shape and externally measures 55 sq. m. It has 24 cells with a spacious stone paved central courtyard of 21 sq. m. This magnificent structure is mostly made of brick but externally veneered with khandolite.
The stand out feature in the monastery is exquisitely carved chlorite door-frame. In the lintel it has Gaja-Lakshmi, where as the frame has bands of floral, creeper and human shape motifs. The door frame displays superb craftsmanship in its graceful charm. The ornate doorway is unique of its kind and showcases decorative art of India.
The sanctum enshrined with a massive seated Buddha flanked by the standing figures of Padmapani and Vajrapani holding fans on each side.
The facade of the sanctum is embellished with creeper pattern and elegant figures of door keepers.
The various sculptures carved in the monastery are true masterpieces.
At Ratangiri most of the excavation is done in and around on the high mound locally called Ranipokhari or Queen’s Tank.
The excavation of this site revealed the spectacular remains of two monasteries lying side by side with a narrow passage between them. They have been constructed any time between 5th to 10th century A.D.
One on the left is earmarked as Monastery No. 2.
And the bigger one by its side is earmarked as Monastery No. 1.
When we were in Ratangiri to visit heritage Buddhist sites we came across several birds. One of them is Jungle Babbler.
It is a common bird of the Indian subcontinent which as well as in forested areas. They feed mainly on insects, but also eats grains, nectar and berries.
The Monastery - 2 at Ratnagiri is dated back to the 7th century A.D. to 14th century A.D. during the Bhaumakaras, Somavamsis and Gangas period. But this monastery is excavated recently in the years 1958-62.
The monastery has three structural phases, as evident from the excavation. It is built using Bricks and Khandolite stone. It is plain and simple, except the balustrade windows in the eastern wall.
The monastery consists of a central square courtyard, bordered on all sides by a pillared verandah around which are array an inner porch, 18 cells and a shrine chamber.
Well known Buddhist sites of Orissa form Diamond Triangle with Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri. They are located in the green hills and lush fields amidst the serene surroundings of Mahanadi basin.
Ratnagiri or the Hill of Jewels is situated on an isolated hill of Assia range and the excavations at Ratnagiri has unearthed several important Buddhist sculptures. And as per these excavations, the history of the region dates back to 6th Century AD during the reign of Gupta Dynasty. It is believed that the place has been a superb destination of learning for the Buddhism.
The important attractions here are:
Nearby places of interest are:
How to Reach: Ratnagiri is just 70 kms away from Cuttack and it can be reached by travelling on National Highway 5A. There are sign boards on the highway to reach this place.
