BHADRAK, ODISHA: A remarkable discovery has been made along the Baitarani River in Odisha’s Bhadrak district, where researchers unearthed 18 ancient sculptures, some of which depict rare Shaiva and Buddhist deities. The artefacts are believed to date back to the 6th or 7th century CE.
The sculptures were found earlier this week near the village of Maninathpur, located in the Bhandaripokhari block. Among the discoveries were intricately carved miniature temples and ‘argha stupas,’ which have piqued the interest of historians and archaeologists alike. The find is expected to provide valuable insights into the region’s unique cultural and religious heritage, blending Shaiva and Buddhist traditions.
The discovery came to light when local resident Bibekananda stumbled upon a statue during his morning walk. He immediately alerted the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and young researcher Biswambhar Raut, who visited the site and identified the 18 sculptures. These include depictions of deities such as Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Buddha, Tara, and Padmapani, showcasing the rich spiritual diversity of the region.
The sculptures, made from Khondalite stone, have been transferred to the Buddhist Vihara Museum for preservation and public display. Renowned archaeologist Sunil Pattnaik, who examined the site, confirmed the significance of the artefacts, which reflect the artistic and religious values of the 6th–8th centuries CE.
