ASI Completes Major Conservation of Odisha's Tallest Buddha Stupa at Parabhadi Hillock
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has successfully concluded a significant conservation initiative aimed at safeguarding Odisha's rich Buddhist heritage. This project focused on the state's highest Buddha stupa, located on the Parabhadi hillock in Jajpur district, marking a crucial step in preserving ancient historical structures.
Details of the Stupa and Conservation Efforts
According to Chittaranjan Dash, deputy superintending archaeological engineer of the ASI Puri circle, the stupa dates back to the 8th century, making it approximately 1,300 years old. It measures about 15 feet in length and stands at an elevation of 138 meters above sea level, having suffered extensive damage over the centuries due to natural wear and neglect.
The conservation and renovation work, which cost around Rs 20 lakh, took nearly three years to complete. In 2023, ASI unearthed the remains of a 4-meter-long Buddha stupa at the same site, highlighting the area's archaeological significance. Dash emphasized that Parabhadi hillock was once a prominent Buddhist complex, renowned for its Great Stupa, brick monasteries, and rock-cut caves, reflecting Buddhism's deep architectural imprint in the region.
Challenges and Protective Measures
A key challenge in the conservation process was the ongoing quarrying activities on the hillock, including the extraction of khondalite stones by entities like the Odisha Mining Corporation. ASI intervened by requesting a halt to these operations, which was granted, allowing the conservation work to proceed without further environmental disruption.
Parabhadi hillock is strategically located just a kilometer from Lalitgiri, one of Odisha's most prominent Buddhist sites. Together with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, these locations form the famed 'Diamond Triangle', underscoring the region's extensive Buddhist history. Dash noted that while ASI conducted excavations at Lalitgiri between 1985 and 1991, uncovering a massive hilltop stupa and an apsidal chaitya griha, Parabhadi was not excavated during that phase, making this recent work particularly vital.
Reactions and Future Prospects
Buddhist scholar Suvendu Bhuyan welcomed the restoration, pointing out that the site had been deteriorating due to official neglect. He highlighted that many Buddhist scholars worldwide remain unaware of Parabhadi's significance, and the site lacks basic infrastructure such as lighting and proper pathways, hindering its accessibility and preservation.
Bhuyan urged ASI and the state government to undertake further excavation and development efforts. He claimed that several rare Buddha images are still buried in the hillock, and with proper investment, the site has strong potential to emerge as a major center for heritage tourism, attracting visitors and researchers alike.
This conservation project not only protects a critical piece of Odisha's cultural legacy but also sets a precedent for future heritage preservation initiatives in the region, ensuring that these ancient structures continue to educate and inspire future generations.
