(By Dr. D. R. Pradhan, Curator, Orissa State Archaelogy and Secretary, Orissan Institute of Maritime and South-east Asian Studies, Bhubaneswar, India)
Xuanzang in the book Dazang Xiyuji has recorded that “there were more than ten Asokan topes (stupas) at place where the Buddha had preached” in Wu-tu (Odra). His statement is also supported by Xuanzang’s biography by Huili. According to Buddhist tradition Asoka had constructed eighty-four thousand stupas throughout the empire. In the days of Asoka, Langudi Hill was very much part of his empire in ancient Kalinga. The Buddhist establishment of Langudi Hill has already been identified with the famous Puspagiri-Vihara of Xuanzang’s time. The recent discovery of an Asokan stupa along with the name of Asoka in early Brahmi characters at Langudi Hill has added a new chapter to the history
of Buddhism in India in general and Orissa in particular.
Langudi Hill Survey sheet no. 73 L/2 is situated near village Salipur on the right bank of the river Kelua (a tributary of the Brahmani) under the Dharmsala Police Station in Jajpur district of the state of Orissa. The nearest bus station is Jaraka on National Highway no. 5 at a distance of 5 kms and 80 kms from Bhubaneswar, the state capital. The hill might have been chosen by the Buddhist community for its isolated eminence, calm atmosphere and natural security for their monastic life, meditation and study.
The exploration and excavation at Langudi Hill was undertaken by the Orissan Institute of Maritime and South-east Asian Studies (a state government organization) under the direction of Dr. D.R. Pradhan, its Secretary, and Curator of Orissa State Archaelogy since 1996. The excavation for the first time has yielded a series of rock-cut icons like five Dhyani Buddhas and their five Saktis, terracotta stupas, terracotta Buddha, terracotta Tara and other terracotta cult images. A number of fragmentary early Brahmi inscriptions, terracotta seals and sealings, and Dharanis have also been unearthed. The exploration at Langudi Hill includes two stupas, two viharas and a number of rock-cut caves.
The present article is based on the archaelogical findings and epigraphical evidences of the 1999-2000 excavation phase. On account of the peculiar plan and elevation and the findings of early objects we have concentrated essentially in exposing the present stupa. The excavation is in progress but on the basis of material remains corroborative evidences we are of the view that the stupa in question might have been built during the time of Asoka.
Plan of the stupa
The plan of the stupa is rectangular on the base but the elevated portion is square. The size of the stupa is 75ft (22.67ms.) NS x 60ft. (18.26ms.)EW x 9ft. (2.74ms.) height. The diameter of the stupa is 60ft. (18.26 ms.). The plinth portion of the stupa is surrounded by dressed laterite wall and the elevated portion is raised by burnt bricks of different sizes. In the southern side the staircase leads to the elevated portion of the stupa. Generally, in stupa architecture staircases lead to the upper processional path in four directions; however, this stupa is an exception.
The staircases were originally flanked by 8 railing pillars and suchis (crossbars) on each side as the postholes are clearly visible after the excavation. The total stupa area was encircled by railing pillars and suchis as noticed by the discovery of 26 railing pillars. There were four standing round laterite pillars at the four cardinal points of the stupa. Out of the four, three are found on site but one is missing in the southeast corner.
Railing pillars and suchis
Out of 26 railing pillars so far discovered, only two are decorated. All other 24 railing pillars are plain. It is presumed that these plain railing pillars might have been employed during the time of Asoka but the two decorated railing pillars with a lotus medallion and carvings might be a later addition. In the case of suchis also, the plain ones are of the Asokan period but the decorated ones of the Sunga period.
Terracotta objects
For the first time terracotta objects including stupas, Buddha images, Tara image, decorated railing, decorated deers, parasol (chhatra) footprint of Buddha, mother goddess and other finds have been discovered at this stupa. Terracota ear stud, bangles and beads were also unearthed during the excavation. In other Buddhist sites so far excavated in Orissa so many terracotta objects have never been found. Bangle pieces of glass and terracotta have clearly indicated the association of female monks to this Langudi Hill stupa.
Asoka Chakra/chhatravalis (parasol)
Fragmented portions of chhatravali (parasol) of two different sizes were discovered during the excavation. The chhatravalis are made of sandstone and might have been employed on the top of the harmika during the Asokan period.
Pottery
Two sherds, one golden in colour and the other black with silver luster, were found in the present stupa. They are considered to be Mauryan pottery which was extensively used during the time of Asoka. Pottery finds include black slipped ware and red ware.
Bricks
Several varieties of fired bricks were used in the construction of the present stupa. The measurement of some of the specimens are given below in inches:
| LENGTH | BREADTH | THICKNESS |
| 15 in. 15 in. 14.5 in. 14.5 in. 13.5 in. 12.5 in. | 11 in. 10 in. 10 in. 9 in. 10 in. 10 in, | 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. |
Name of Asokan Inscription
The most important discovery during 1999-2000 was of two stone inscriptions referring to the name of Asoka. The texts of the inscriptions deciphered by Prof. B.N. Mukherjee as ama upaska Asokasa samchiamana agra eka stupa as “ a lay worshipper Asoka with religious longing is associated in the construction of a prominent stupa”. The text of another inscription also clearly indicates the name of Asoka as chhi karena ranja Asokhena. Incriptions naming Asoka have been found in very few places in India like Maski in Karnataka and Gujjara in Madhya Pradesh.
Hence, the occurrence of the name of Asoka twice at Langudi Hill in Orissa is certainly of immense archaelogical importance.
Courtesy :
Newsletter (Issue 12-December 2000)
Circle of Inner Asian Art, Department of Art and Archaeology, SOAS (University of London), United Kingdom
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