ABSTRACT
The present state of Odisha (previously known as Kalinga, Utkal, Odra and Orissa) lies on the east coast of India, and is known for its maritime contacts with the Roman world since the early historical period, if not earlier. Initially, the Romans had reached Muziris and Arikamedu for maritime trade, and then, along coastal and hinterland routes, they reached different parts of India. The finding of Roman gold coins, amphorae, lamps, and bullae from the hinterland and coastal sites along the east and west coasts of India corroborate the fact. The recent archaeological explorations at Manikapatna, Palur, Radhanagar and Sisupalgarh in Odisha have brought to light terracotta Roman Bullion, lamps, amphorae shreds and Rouletted ware which suggest that Odisha had contacts with the Roman world since the early historical period. In addition to this, isolated Roman coins have been discovered from other parts of Odisha as well. Contemporary texts such as Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (Periplus Maris Erythraei) (first century CE) and Ptolemy, the Greek geographer of 100-50 CE, mention about the ports of Odisha and maritime contacts with the Roman world. It has been observed that the finding of Roman artefacts is more abundant in peninsular India than in the hinterland. This paper details the excavation findings such as amphorae, bullion, coins, lamps, pottery, glass
beads from port sites and trade centres of ancient Odisha and their contacts with the Roman world. Attempts have also been made to understand and discuss why the Roman sites and findings are comparatively less in Odisha than in peninsular India and how Buddhism contributed to the maritime trade and society of the region during this period.
