The Indian History Awareness and Research (IHAR) team recently visited the Rai Pithora Quila complex, which is currently hosting a significant exhibition focused on the Pipirawaha discoveries associated with the Buddha’s relics and precious gems. This exhibition marks a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Culture, as it brings together, for the first time, key inventories from both the Indian Museum, Kolkata, and the National Museum, New Delhi.

The central attraction of the exhibition is the Pipirawaha relics and gemstones, presented alongside a detailed archaeological and historical narrative. Visitors are able to understand not only the importance of these relics but also the story of their discovery, excavation, and interpretation over time. The use of high-quality digital displays and archaeological reconstructions makes the presentation engaging and easy to follow for both scholars and the general public.

A major highlight of this exhibition is the collaboration between the Indian Museum and the National Museum. Objects that were earlier displayed separately have now been brought together in a single space, allowing for a more complete understanding of early Buddhist material culture. IHAR expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr Sayan Bhattacharya, Director, Indian Museum for his valuable inputs, which played an important role in making this collaboration possible.

The exhibition also showcases, for the first time in this setting, a wide range of Buddhist iconography and tablets from the National Museum’s collection. These objects demonstrate the development of Buddhist art and symbolism across different periods and regions. Among the most important displays is the famous Nalanda Inscription, which highlights Nalanda’s role as a major centre of learning and its connections with the wider Buddhist world.

Another important aspect of the exhibition is its focus on India’s maritime links with Southeast Asia. Through inscriptions, artefacts, and explanatory panels, the exhibition explains how Buddhist ideas, art forms, and traditions travelled from India to regions such as Southeast Asia via sea routes. This section helps visitors understand Buddhism as a dynamic and expansive tradition shaped by trade, travel, and cultural exchange.

The display of Pala-era manuscripts is another major attraction. These manuscripts include important Buddhist texts, especially versions of the Prajñāpāramitā, and reflect the scholarly and spiritual vibrancy of eastern India during the Pala period. Their inclusion adds a strong intellectual and philosophical dimension to the exhibition, complementing the archaeological displays.

Overall, the exhibition at Rai Pithora Quila presents a well-balanced and thoughtful account of India’s Buddhist heritage. It successfully combines relics, inscriptions, manuscripts, iconography, and digital tools to offer visitors a clear and meaningful understanding of Buddhism’s historical journey within India and beyond.

The IHAR team greatly appreciated the effort taken to present complex historical material in an accessible manner. The exhibition stands out as a model for collaborative museum practice and public history in India.

IHAR is especially proud of the outstanding contribution of its Executive Member, Dr Abira Bhattacharya (Deputy Director Buddhist Gallery, National Museum), whose dedication and expertise played a crucial role in conceptualising and organising this exhibition. Her work reflects IHAR’s broader mission of promoting informed historical research and making India’s rich past accessible to wider audiences.