Buddhism in Odisha is a subject of absorbing interest as the contribution of Odisha to the domain of Buddhist culture over the ages is unfathomable. The great Kalinga war that transformed the Chandasoka' to 'Dharmasoka' has brought about remarkable changes in the history of Buddhism resulting in erection of monasteris, stupas, Viharas and Mahaviharas and other relics associated with this great religion. The Buddhists paid greater emphasis and care to modelling their images than to the monuments which enshrined them and hence the sculptural art is of most importance to us than their temple architecture. Large number of Budhist sculptures are found at present in different parts of Odisha, viz., Dhauli, Banapur, Kuruma, Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, Lalitagiri, Banesvaranasi, Solanapur, Khadipada, Chauduar, Khiching, Kupari, Ayodhya, Jayarampur, Ganiapalli etc. and their artistic qualities and icongriphic details constitute a subject of interesting study by research scholars. The images of Buddha, Avalokitesvara, Tara, Marichi, Heruka, normally over crowd the Buddhist shrines of which a large number of them often carry inscriptions on their body. Buddhism which commenced its drive under the patronage of the great Mauryan emperor Asoka had a pause immediately after his death. But it again revitalised its stronghold under the effective patronage of the Bhaumakara rulers, During this period the Puspagiri vihara centering round Ratnagiri, Udaygiri and Lalitagiri complex attracted attention of Buddhist recluses and scholars from outside Odisha and even as far distant lands like China. During this period, Tantric Buddhism dominated the field as a result of which the Buddhist art became mystic but stereotype and the primary aims of the artist gradually degenerated into serving the purpose of the innumerable devotees rather than that of the art connoisseurs.

Odisha State Museum preserves a number of Buddhist images brought from Khadipada, Baneswarnasi, Ratnagiri, Ayodhya, Banapur, Bhubaneswar, etc., which attract attention of the visitors for their vigorous dimension, iconographic peculiarities and superb artistic imagery.