Ambassador’s Visit Highlights Odisha’s Role in the Spread of Buddhism Across Asia

Ambassador's Cultural Tour Spotlights Odisha's Pivotal Role in Buddhist Heritage

India’s Ambassador to Bhutan recently embarked on a cultural journey to Odisha, delving into the state’s profound and ancient Buddhist legacy. The visit served to underscore Odisha's historical significance as a major centre for Buddhist learning and pilgrimage, which played a foundational role in the spread of Buddhism across South and Southeast Asia.

Exploration of Ancient Monastic Complexes
During the tour, the Ambassador visited key Buddhist heritage sites that dot Odisha’s landscape. These included ancient stupas, monastic ruins, and significant excavation sites, which together narrate the story of Buddhism’s flourishing in the region from the Mauryan period through the post-Gupta era. The extensive archaeological remains stand as a testament to a time when Odisha was a vibrant hub for monks, scholars, and spiritual travellers from distant lands.

Odisha’s Enduring Place in Buddhist History
Historically known as Kalinga, Odisha holds a critical position in the Buddhist narrative. The region is inextricably linked to the transformative journey of Emperor Ashoka following the Kalinga War, a pivotal event that catalysed the propagation of Buddhist teachings. The "Diamond Triangle" of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri represents one of the country's earliest and most important organised Buddhist complexes, showcasing continuous development through centuries and evidence of both Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.

Strengthening Ties Through Shared Heritage
The cultural visit is viewed as a meaningful exercise in cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural bonds between India and Bhutan. Both nations share a living Buddhist tradition, and such exchanges that highlight common heritage are seen as a vital soft-power pillar, complementing the robust political and economic cooperation that defines bilateral relations.

Catalysing Tourism and Academic Focus
Beyond diplomacy, the visit has also cast a spotlight on the untapped potential for Buddhist heritage tourism in Odisha. Officials highlighted that increased international awareness can drive focused conservation efforts, spur academic research, and promote sustainable tourism. This positions Odisha not only as a custodian of ancient history but also as an emerging and significant destination on the global Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.

Key Facts for Competitive Examinations

• The region of  Kalinga (modern-day Odisha)  was instrumental in the spread of  Buddhism after Emperor Ashoka's transformative conversion .

• Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri  form a key cluster of major Buddhist archaeological sites in Odisha.

• Odisha's heritage sites show evidence of the evolution of  Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions .

• Cultural diplomacy , leveraging shared civilisational links, is a key soft-power tool in India’s foreign policy, especially with neighbouring nations like Bhutan.