ASI endorses antique character of Buddha idols in Odisha

The Archaeological Survey of India has endorsed the antique character of Buddhist idols, dating back to 9th century AD, discovered recently from a remote village in Kendrapara district of Odisha.
Researchers had stumbled upon antique Buddhist sculptures lying abandoned near a cremation ground in a remote village of Kendrapara district on May 25.
"After being informed of discovery of Buddhist sculptures, ASI experts visited Sadanandapur village. We spotted four Buddhist sculptures with all of them of antique character. The sculptures date back to 9th century AD when the Bhaumakara rulers were holding sway in the then Kalinga kingdom," Deputy Superintending Engineer, ASI Bhubaneswar circle, Sushant Kumar Kar said today.

One of the sculptures with votive divinity trait bears rock-cut Palli script. The script is a rare one that can be traced back to the rich Buddhist legacy that once flourished in the region. ASI is taking up measures for conservation of these antique Buddhist treasures, he said.
The discovery of votive Buddhist divinities at Sadanandapur village has brought under sharp focus the rich Buddhist legacy of this region.
"We had found the sculptures during a visit to the village. The locals were not aware of the antique value of the stone objects. However, locals have not damaged it," researcher Harish Chandra Prusty said.