The sixth excavation phase further revealed more hidden treasures of Buddhism in Mogalmari. Undertaken in two phases, in the first phase, intensive excavation revealed another wall lying parallel to the outer eastern wall in the north south direction. It was magnificently decorated with stucco of several divine and semidivine figurines. the second phase of excavation unveiled various intiquities such as–Buddhist hymn depicting the words of the Buddha in Siddhamatrika version, verracotta lamps, stucco fragments, sprinklers, iron nails, footed bowls, hopscotch, spouted bowls, and large number of potteries.
After the completion of the sixth phase of the excavation, it was concluded that a second vihara was built over the first one, after its destruction. his vihara was built during the 9th–10th century AD.
Finally, on March 7, 2013, the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Govt. of West Bengal designated Sakhisena Dhibi (the present site) as a state protected monument.
In the recent years, more Buddhist artifacts were found during the excavations. These included a votive stupa, earthenware, Brahmi script, terracotta inscription, broken marble images, iron nails, copper bangles and copper rings, terracotta lamp, prayer beads made of elephant teeth, ornamental bricks, stucco head and stucco decoration.
An interesting event occurred during the ninth phase of excavation (2015- 2016). A three-day buddhist Heritage Festival was organised from January 24-26, 2016, witnessing a convergence of Buddhist monks from different parts of the world at the site. While the monks chanted, ‘Buddham Sharanam Gacchami…’, the archeologists discovered 95 bronze statues, out of which around 30 were of the Buddha!
However, the question still remains, why is Mogalmari the forte in the realm of Buddhist monastic network of eastern India? The answer to this intriguing question is probably rooted in two things: the location of the monastery on Subarnarekha River in its lower course and, secondly, the rich archaeological repertoire that it contains. To elucidate, Mogalmari is located at the cross-road of two most vibrant routes active in the early medieval period–one connecting it to Odisha via Subarnarekha and the other linking it to the Gangetic milieuvia land.
In terms of actual archaeological characteristic, the site is represented, inter-alia, by two specific sets of artifacts that set it apart from all the other monastic sites of eastern India, dating it back to the 6th-7th century. These are the exuberant stucco carvings and unique set of inscribed terracotta votive tablets,which have no parallel from any other early medieval monastic site so far excavated in south asia.
Equally significant, though not unique, is the recent discovery of the extensi vegamut of metal culptures having close stylistic affinity with the figures excavated from monastic sites in southern vihar and northern Odisha. Thus, Mogalmari remains the most impressive of the Buddhist monastic organisations of eastern India in the early medieval period.
References
- Excavation at Moghalmari, A Report (2003- 2004 to 2011 -2012) by Dr Asok Datta.
- Pratnatatthik Pratibedan ( 2013-2014) by Amal Roy.
- Purovitta, Journal of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Vol 2016
- Newspaper Report (2014-2015 and 2015- 2016).
About the author: Atanu Pradhan is the joint secretary of Mogalmari Tarun Seva Sangha and Pathagar (Mogalmari Archaeological Buddhist Monastery Site) and Assistant Secretary of Mogalmari Buddhist Association.
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