Bronze Stupas at Ratnagiri

As compared to the large number of stone stupas found at the site the bronze stupas are very few in number, D. Mitra (1980:363) has mentioned about four stupas. I have discussed the two intact bronze stupas which are at present displayed at the Ratnagiri Site Museum. These two stupas resemble more with the stupas reported from Ladhak (Plate-IV). Probably these stupas were brought by the pilgrims from other centres as these bronze stupas are very different in style in comparison to the stone stupas.

It is evident that metal-casting, copper bars, slag and crucibles were unearthed from the site which indicates that metal objects were produced at Ratnagiri as well brought from other centres. Easy availability of stone at the site might have made it more preferable. Very few metal objects have been found in Orissa. Achutrajpur is the only site in Puri District which has yielded largest number of metal objects i.e. twenty stupas, ninety-five images and some miscellaneous objects (Mitra 1980: 353)

Votive Stupa No. 293 (5.7 cm high)

This miniature stupa is moulded in Tibetan style, there are four legs attached to the vedhi as a stand to keep it raised from the ground. Stupa consists of 1. two tiered (like steps) square vedhi. 2. medhi with a band at the base and a noli at the top, there are two tiers in the middle part of the medhi, 3. a circular anda, 4. a round harmika, 5.chatravali with a long shaft with a disc on the top (partly broken) and a capping on it (Plate -CLXXXV).

Votive Stupa No. 294 (12 cm high)

The stupa consists of 1. a tri-ratha vedhi (base) carved into three receding tiers at the base (Plate -CLXXXVI) 2. a cylindrical medhi with a double petalled lotus and a band at the base and a projected beaded band within facets at the top, 3. a plain anda, 4. a square harmika with a facet at the base and a band at the top, 5. and a chatravali of five discs with recess in between followed by a crowning member is standing on a long shaft.