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Archaeological Museum, Ratnagiri: A Glimpse into Odisha's Buddhist Past

Discover ancient Buddhist art and history at the Archaeological Museum, Ratnagiri, Odisha.

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The Archaeological Museum in Ratnagiri, Odisha, established in 1998, showcases a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts dating from the 5th to the 13th centuries AD. Located near the Ratnagiri Buddhist Archaeological Site, the museum features sculptures, pottery, and relics that highlight the region's significant Buddhist heritage.

A brief summary to Archaeological Museum, Ratnagiri

  • J8VQ+F4C, Udayagiri - Ratnagiri Rd, Ratnagiri, Odisha, 755003, IN
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
  • Take your time to read the information plaques to fully appreciate the historical context of the exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Ratnagiri Buddhist Archaeological Site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Archaeological Museum is located a short walk from the entrance of the Ratnagiri Buddhist Archaeological Site. From the main entrance, follow the road towards the museum, which is located on the right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking to the museum.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus to Ratnagiri, take a local bus or auto-rickshaw towards the Ratnagiri Buddhist Archaeological Site. The museum is located a short walk from the main site entrance. Bus fares typically range from ₹10-₹20, and auto-rickshaws may cost ₹50-₹100 depending on the distance.

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Discover more about Archaeological Museum, Ratnagiri

The Archaeological Museum, Ratnagiri, is a treasure trove of Buddhist art and history, offering visitors a captivating journey into ancient Odisha. Opened in 1998, the museum is located a short distance from the Ratnagiri Buddhist Archaeological Site. It houses a collection of 238 antiquities from a larger collection of 3,485 artifacts. The museum comprises four galleries, each displaying a range of objects and antiquities related to Buddhism from the 5th to the 13th centuries AD. The majority of the collection showcases the Vajrayana sect. The first gallery features Buddha in various poses, Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, and Tara. The second gallery displays stone sculptures of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Jambhala, and a woman in a dancing posture. The third gallery contains images of Buddha, stupas, and Maitreya. The fourth gallery exhibits terracotta objects, seals, ivory objects, inscribed copper plates and bronze images of Manjushri and Yamari. Notably, Ratnagiri, also known as the 'hill of jewels,' was once a major Buddhist monastery in Odisha. The Buddhist monuments were constructed from the 5th century CE onwards, with the peak period of work done between the 7th to 10th centuries. The site was deserted after the 16th century and remained relatively unknown until excavations in the 1960s.

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