India

Udayagiri, Odisha

Buddhist monastery complex, Odisha (7th–12th centuries)

Location

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Historical Context

About

Udayagiri (Odia: ଉଦୟଗିରି) is the largest Buddhist complex in the Indian state of Odisha. It is composed of major stupas and monasteries (viharas). Together with the nearby complexes of Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri, it is part of the "Diamond Triangle" of the "Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitgiri" complex. It used to be thought that one or all of these were the Pushpagiri Vihara known from ancient records, but this has now been convincingly located at a different site. Per epigraphical artifacts found at the site, Udayagiri's historical name was "Madhavapura Mahavihara." This Buddhist complex, preceded by the Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri sites, with their monasteries, is believed to have been active between the 7th and the 12th centuries.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Brick stupas date range

1st–12th centuries

Epigraphic record span

5th–13th centuries

Monastic activity (broad period)

7th–12th centuries

Eighth-century complexes uncovered

8th century

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

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Water Management Features

WellsDrains
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Public and Civic Structures

Raised platformsStone platform (ashlar masonry)
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Religious and Ritual Structures

StupasChaitya-grihasMonasteries (Viharas)Votive stupas
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Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesInscriptionsJali (stone screens)Terracotta seals
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesResidential complexes (six-room houses)
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Transportation and Communication Structures

PathsStone paved path
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

India

Coordinates

20.64° N, 86.27° E