An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c44.327

v2.c44.327

The excavation has yielded a rich crop of antiquities which include a large number of stone sculptures of various Buddhist divinities, bronze objects like images, *stūpas*, umbrellas and other decorative pieces, iron objects including daggers, stone objects of daily use like rotary querns [6.19] and other evidences on the life in the monasteries. The images displaying different styles and workmanship belong to different periods. The profuse occurrence of bronze objects indicates that Ratnagiri was a centre of bronze-casting. Besides there are innumerable clay sealings and inscribed terracotta plaques. Of great significance are the terracotta sealings with the legend *śrī-Ratnagiri-mahāvihārīyārya-bhikṣu-saṅghasya* which not only gives the name of the establishment as it persists even to this day but proves that Ratnagiri like Nālandā was a renowned centre of learning attracting students and scholars from far and near.