Pushpagiri was an ancient Buddhist mahavihara or monastery complex situated atop Langudi Hill (or Hills) in Odisha's Jajpur district. Pushpagiri is referenced in the writings of the Chinese traveller Xuanzang, as well as in several other ancient texts. Until the 1990s, it was thought to be one or more of the Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udayagiri complex of monastery sites in the Jajpur district. These sites comprise the ruins of several structures, stupas of varying sizes, sculptures (many of which have since been transported to museums), and other relics. Here will discuss the details of Pushpagiri, Odisha - Famous Universities of Ancient India of Odisha, which will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.

Pushpagiri - Famous University of Ancient India

• Pushpagiri University, also known as Pushpagiri Mahavihara (2nd century BC to 10th century AD), was a major Buddhist seat of higher learning in ancient India that flourished until the 11th century.
• Pushpagiri was an important Buddhist site in ancient India, as evidenced by Xuanzang's visit.
• It is said to be a prominent ancient learning centre, along with Nalanda, Vikramashila, Odantapuri, Takshashila, and Vallabhi. It thrived between the third and eleventh century CE.
• The remnants may still be seen above the Langudi hills, some 90 kilometres from the Mahanadi delta, in the Odisha districts of Jajpur and Cuttack.
• Pushpagiri is regarded as an ancient Indian higher learning institution comparable to Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Takshila.
• In his famed travelogues, Chinese traveller Xuanzang (Huien Tsang) named the three institutions of Pushpagiri as Pushpagiri Mahavihara.
• Furthermore, it was referred to as Pushpagiri Mahavihara in mediaeval Tibetan writings.
• The actual university site, which was scattered throughout the hilltops, had multiple stupas, monasteries, temples, and sculptures in the Gupta architectural style.
• The keluva river, a tributary of the Brahmani river, in Odisha flows to the north east of the Langudi Hills and must have offered a picturesque backdrop for the institution.
• The entire university is spread over three campuses on the tops of three adjacent hills, Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri.
• Odisha's Buddhist triangle includes the hills of Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri, which are rich in ancient archaeological monuments.
  • The "Diamond Triangle" refers to these three structures.
• Excavation work on the Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-udayagiri hills has revealed the remnants of a magnificent brick monastery with excellent carvings, a temple with bow-shaped arches, four monasteries, and a massive stupa.
• A significant number of gold and silver goods, a stone container, an earthen pot, and evidence of the Kushan dynasty and Brahmi script were also discovered in the Buddhist treasure found from here.
• A gigantic figure of Buddha is a one-of-a-kind discovery, with pursed lips, large ears, and a broad forehead.

Pushpagiri - Famous University of Ancient India

Lalitgiri

• Lalitgiri, also known as Naltigiri, is a 1st century Buddhist complex in Odisha that, along with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, forms Puspagiri University, which has a number of the outstanding sculptures of that era, such as important stupas and monasteries (viharas).
• This historic beautiful village Lalitgiri is a sacred destination for a great number of Buddhism believers as a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage.
• Numerous excavations carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have linked this location to the birthplace of Buddhism.
• Since 1985, ASI has been performing similar excavations.

Lalitagiri, Odisha

Ratnagiri

• Ratnagiri has historical and religious importance, making it a wonderful site to visit.
• The modest yet holy village in Odisha's Jajpur district is notable for a massive monastery associated with the Mahayana Sect, as well as historic emperors such as Ashoka and others from the Gupta Dynasty.
• Apart from its rich historical heritage, Ratnagiri is also recognised for the confluence of four major rivers in Odisha: the Mahanadi, the Brahmani, the Kimiria, and the Birupa.

Ratnagiri, Odisha

Udayagiri

• Udayagiri is an Odisha Buddhist complex that, along with Udayagiri and Lalitgiri, forms Pushpagiri University and is home to several notable stupas and temples (viharas).
• According to an epigraphic artefact discovered in the region, Udayagiri was known in the past as 'Madhavapura Mahavihara.'
• Since 1958, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has performed several excavations, which are still ongoing.
• The Udayagiri-2, the second half of Udayagiri, was unearthed during a huge excavation from 1997 to 2000.
• ASI has unearthed several more stupas and monasteries here.

Udayagiri, Odisha

Conclusion

Lalitagiri, one of Odisha's earliest Buddhist sites, demonstrates unbroken cultural continuity from the post-Mauryan period to the 13th century A.D. These sites comprise the ruins of several structures, stupas of varying sizes, sculptures (many of which have since been transported to museums), and other relics.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Analyze the contribution of Pushpagiri University to Indian culture and philosophy.

Answer: Pushpagiri University played a pivotal role in the development of Buddhist philosophy and the arts. It was a major center for intellectual growth, attracting scholars from various regions. Its teachings on Buddhist philosophy, logic, and scriptures influenced the intellectual landscape of ancient India. Furthermore, its architectural contributions reflected the zenith of Indian Buddhist art. Despite its eventual decline, Pushpagiri's legacy continued to inspire future generations of scholars and artists, shaping the cultural fabric of India.

Q2. Discuss the decline and eventual disappearance of Pushpagiri University.

Answer: Pushpagiri University, like many other ancient learning centers, faced a gradual decline due to multiple invasions. Muslim invasions during the medieval period led to the destruction of many Buddhist establishments, including Pushpagiri. The invasions, coupled with shifts in religious and cultural priorities, contributed to the university's demise. The destruction was compounded by neglect and natural disasters, and despite efforts to preserve its history, much of its original glory is lost. Its ruins, however, still stand testament to its past influence.

Q3. What impact did Pushpagiri University have on the regional development of Odisha?

Answer: Pushpagiri University contributed to the regional development of Odisha by promoting intellectual and cultural exchanges. Its prominence as a Buddhist center helped elevate Odisha as a hub for religious and philosophical learning. It also influenced regional art, with its teachings shaping local Buddhist architecture and sculpture. Pushpagiri’s impact is still felt today in the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, reflected in its temples, monuments, and continued reverence for its historical significance.

Previous Year Questions on  Pushpagiri

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018

Question: Pushpagiri is an important historical site in India. In which state is it located?

a) Madhya Pradesh

b) Odisha

c) Uttar Pradesh

d) Andhra Pradesh

Answer: b) Odisha

Explanation: Pushpagiri is located in Odisha and was an influential center for Buddhist learning.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2016

Question: Assess the importance of ancient universities like Pushpagiri in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of India.

Answer: Ancient universities like Pushpagiri were crucial in shaping India's intellectual and cultural fabric. They not only fostered the growth of philosophical thought but also nurtured the development of arts, architecture, and sciences. As centers of learning, they attracted scholars, monks, and philosophers, influencing religious discourse and cultural exchanges across Asia. Despite their eventual decline, their legacy continues to impact modern-day educational institutions and cultural preservation, highlighting their enduring contribution to India’s rich history.