Odisha, India - Ancient sculptures depicting Shaiva and Buddhist deities have been discovered in Odisha's Bhadrak district. These artefacts, believed to date back to the 6th or 7th century CE, were unearthed near the Baitarani River in the village of Maninathpur, located within the Bhandaripokhari block.
The findings provide significant insight into the region's rich cultural and religious heritage.
The discovery occurred earlier this week when a local youth, Bibekananda, stumbled upon a statue during his morning walk. Recognizing its importance, he informed the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and local researcher Biswambhar Raut.
Upon visiting the site, Raut identified 18 ancient sculptures, including rare depictions of Shaiva and Buddhist deities. The sculptures were scattered across the area, with some featuring intricately carved miniature temples and 'argha stupas'.
Among the sculptures, researchers found representations of Shaiva deities such as Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha, alongside Buddhist figures like Buddha, Tara, and Padmapani.
These artefacts, crafted from Khondalite stone, hold value not only for their artistic craftsmanship but also for the insight they provide into the region's religious and cultural blend during the 6th to 8th centuries.
Following the discovery, the sculptures were transferred to the Buddhist Vihara Museum for preservation and display.
This discovery in Bhadrak follows a similar archaeological find in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district, where three ancient idols were uncovered near a newly discovered Hindu temple. The idols, believed to represent Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartikeya, were found while digging a well. Like the Bhadrak findings, these artefacts are currently undergoing examination and preservation for future research.