No plan to include Odisha’s Buddhist sites in world heritage list: Union min

Kendrapada: Union minister for culture and tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on Monday informed the Lok Sabha that there is currently no proposal to include the Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Langudi, and Lalitgiri in Unesco's world heritage list. He was replying to a question raised by Jajpur MP Rabindra Narayan Behera.The sites in Jajpur district are under the protection of the ASI. Known collectively as the ‘diamond triangle', these Buddhist sites bear testimony to the region's rich heritage. Historical records indicate that Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang visited these centres of learning, which rivalled the renowned institutions of Nalanda and Taxila.Significant archaeological discoveries have been made at these sites. ASI excavations at Lalitgiri (1985-1991) unveiled a massive hilltop stupa and an apsidal Chaitya Griha. A notable finding was a golden casket containing what is believed to be relics of Lord Buddha and his disciple."The relics were found in a unique arrangement of four nested caskets made of different materials including khandolite, soapstone, silver, and gold," explained Harish Chandra Prusti, a researcher.At Udayagiri, excavations revealed a extensive monastic complex featuring a Mahastupa and a monastery with a shrine chamber housing a large Buddha statue. Langudi, located 20 km from Ratnagiri, gained attention in 2003 when historians identified it as the ancient ‘Pushpagiri' mentioned in Huein Tsang's accounts.Currently, the Sun Temple in Konark remains Odisha's only entry to the world heritage list.