The Hindu : National : Artefacts found

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Monday, Jun 26, 2006

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Artefacts found

Bhubaneswar: The Orissa Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies has unearthed some 2,300 year-old artefacts in Jajpur district which, it claimed could change some historical narratives on the Ashokan period.

``The description of Chinese piligrim Hieun-Tsang about Ashoka that he had constructed 10 stupas in Odra country where Buddha had preached may come true. Earlier, historians refused to accept the narrative. We have already analysed five stupas and found three more similar structures,'' OIMSEAS Director Debaraj Pradhan told PTI here.

He said a huge inscribed monolithic stupa along with other remnants of Buddhist establishments had been detected on top of the Panturi Hill in Jajpur district. ``The current exploration and excavations is unique since nowhere in India you will find old artefacts in such a small area,'' Mr. Pradhan said.

The organisation had extensively surveyed the Brahmani-Kelua river valley since 1996 to explore and excavate Buddhist sites.

It had excavated Langudi Hill site and discovered the ancient Pushpagiri vihara, an Ashokan stupa, two rare statues believed to be that of Emperor Ashoka himself, besides 54 rock-cut votive stupas, five `dhyani Buddha' statues and remains of two monasteries. — PTI

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