The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of Odisha’s discovered, a 1300-year-old Buddhist Stupa (monastery), dating back to Bhaumakara dynasty at a Khondalite mining site in Jajpur district for the project around the Jagannath Temple in Puri. It is the site where Khondalite stones were supplied for the beautification project around the 12^thCentury Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. 

1. What is ASI ?

ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation under the Ministry of Culture.

1. What are roles and responsibilities associated with ASI?

The Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI.  It regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, of 1958. It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, of 1972.

2. What is Stupa?

Stupas were burial mounds prevalent in India from the vedic period. Stupa is a commemorative monument usually housing sacred relics associated with the Buddha or other saintly persons.

3. How does it look or what are the architectural dimensions of the stupa?

Stupas consist of a cylindrical drum with 3 basic features- a circular anda and a harmika and a chhatra on the top.

–  Hemispherical mound (anda) The anda’s domed shape (green highlights) recalls a mound of dirt that was used to cover the Buddha’s remains. Consistent with their symbolic associations, the earliest stupas contained actual relics of the Buddha; the relic chamber, buried deep inside the anda, is called the tabena. Over time, this hemispherical mound has taken on an even grander symbolic association: the mountain home of the gods at the center of the universe.

–  Square railing (harmika) The harmika (red highlights) is inspired by a square railing or fence that surrounded the mound of dirt, marking it as a sacred burial site.

–  A central pillar supporting a triple-umbrella form (chattra) The chattra, in turn, was derived from umbrellas that were placed over the mound to protect it from the elements (purple highlights). Just as the anda’s symbolic value expanded over time, the central pillar that holds the umbrellas has come to represent the pivot of the universe, the axis along which the divine descends from heaven and becomes accessible to humanity. And the three circular umbrella-like disks represent the three Jewels, or Triantha, of Buddhism, which are the keys to a true understanding of the faith: (a) Buddha; (b) dharma (Buddhist teachings or religious law); and (c) sangha (monastic community).

Beside these three core elements there are some secondary features as well;

• Enclosure wall with decorated gateways (toranas) at the cardinal directionsThe wall — with its trademark three horizontal stone bars (in the top image) — surrounds the entire structure. The wall is marked in light blue highlights and the toranas in yellow.
• A circular terrace (medhi)The terrace — surrounded by a similar three-bar railing — supports the anda and raises it off the ground (black highlights); it likely served as a platform for ritual circumambulation.

4. What in general is stupa made of?

The core of the stupa was made of unburnt brick while the outer surface was made by using burnt bricks, which were then covered with a thick layer of plaster and medhi and the toran were decorated with wooden sculptures.

5. What are other types of Stupa?

Stupas are categorised into following five types based on form and function;

1. Relic stupa: Relics or remains of the Buddha, his disciples, and lay saints are buried.
2. Object stupa:Objects belonged to the Buddha or his disciples, such as a begging bowl or robe, or important Buddhist scriptures.
3. Commemorative stupa:Built to commemorate events in the lives of Buddha or his disciples.
4. Symbolic stupa:To symbolise aspects of Buddhist theology.
5. Votive stupa:Constructed to commemorate visits or to gain spiritual benefits, usually at the site of prominent stupas which are regularly visited.

 

6. What are other examples of Stupa?
   1. Piprahwa Stupain Uttar Pradesh is the oldest one.
   2. Sanchi Stupain Madhya Pradesh is the most famous of the Ashokan stupas.
   3. Stupas built after the death of Buddha and excavated: Rajagriha, Vaishali, Kapilavastu, Allakappa, Ramagrama, Vethapida, Pava, Kushinagar and Pippalivana.
   4. Stupa at Bairat, Rajasthan:Grand stupa with a circular mound and a circumambulatory path.

 

7. What are the findings  of the Discovered Stupa?

• The discovered stupa was found at Parabhadi which is situated near Lalitagiri, a major Buddhist complex, having a large number of stupas and monasteries.
• Lalitgiri Buddhist site is believed to be theto be the most sacred among the three sites (Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri) as it unearthed a massive stupa where a relic of Buddha was discovered inside a stone casket.
• It is found that excavated stupa is 1300 years old.
• The discovered stupa could be 5 meters talland initial assessment showed it may belong to the 7th or 8th century made up of Khondalite stones.

 

8. What is so special about Khondalite Stones?

• Khondalite is primarily composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica, and has a distinct pinkish-grey coloration.It is commonly used as a decorative stone in construction and is particularly prized for its durability and resistance to weathering.
• Khondalite is a foliated metamorphic rock.In India, it is also called Bezwada Gneiss and Kailasa Gneiss. It was named after the Khond tribe of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh because well-formed examples of the rock were found in the inhabited hills of these regions of eastern India.
• Khondalite stones were supplied for the beautification project around the 12th Century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. They are proposed to be used widely to maintain aesthetic value of some projects such as heritage security zone, Jagannath Ballav pilgrim centre, etc.
• Khondalite stones were widely used inancient temple complexes, all the heritage projects in Puri will be developed by using the Khondalite stones to maintain the Kalinga architectural style.