Eminent archaeologists and historians gathered to honor the legacy of Debala Mitra, the first woman to lead the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), on the occasion of her 100th birth anniversary. The tributes highlighted her monumental contributions to unearthing and preserving India's rich historical past.
A Trailblazing Career in Archaeology
Born on December 14, 1925, in Khulna, which is now part of Bangladesh, Debala Mitra joined the ASI in the 1940s. Through dedication and scholarly excellence, she rose through the ranks to become the Director General of the prestigious organization in 1981. She passed away in 2003, leaving behind a formidable legacy.
Mitra is widely revered for her groundbreaking work on Odisha's Buddhist circuit. Her most famous contributions came from the systematic excavations at the sites of Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri, collectively known as the 'Diamond Triangle' of Odisha.
Unearthing the Diamond Triangle
Between 1958 and 1961, Mitra's meticulous work revealed an extensive monastic complex that thrived from the 5th to the 13th century. Her excavations at Lalitgiri uncovered a massive stupa. At Udayagiri, she found an apsidal 'chaitya griha' (prayer hall) with a circular stupa, which was the first such structure discovered in Odisha.
However, her most spectacular discovery was a set of nested relic caskets. The innermost was a golden casket containing sacred relics believed to be of Lord Buddha. This priceless find was housed within four intricately crafted outer caskets, marking a significant milestone in Buddhist archaeology.
Conservation and Scholarly Work
Beyond the Diamond Triangle, Debala Mitra's expertise shaped the conservation of several other iconic sites. She led crucial preservation efforts at the Konark Sun Temple and the Khandagiri-Udayagiri caves. In Achyutrajpur, her excavations led to the discovery of 92 exquisite bronze images.
A distinguished scholar, Mitra authored seminal works on art, architecture, and Buddhism. Her book, 'Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India' (1981), remains a critical reference. Sunil Patnaik, former secretary of OIMSEAS, noted, "She was a distinguished scholar of art, architecture and Buddhism."
Scholars at the anniversary event emphasized her lasting impact, which extended to shaping Buddhist studies not only in India but also in neighboring Nepal. Her pioneering career broke gender barriers in a male-dominated field and laid the foundation for generations of archaeologists, ensuring that India's ancient treasures continue to be discovered and protected for the world to see.
