Lakkundi Archaeological Excavation Concludes with Significant Historical Discoveries
The state archaeological department, in collaboration with the district administration and the Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority, has officially concluded its excavation work in Hubballi. All digging activities at the site were halted on Wednesday, marking the end of a significant archaeological endeavor that has captured national attention.
Ancient Jewellery Discovery and Expert Investigation
This excavation gained widespread attention following the remarkable discovery of antique jewellery during house construction in Lakkundi on January 9. A treasure-expert team established by the state government after this discovery is expected to submit its final report to the district administration within the next two to three days.
Sources reveal that the recovered jewellery weighs 462 grams and was historically used to adorn temple deities. Initial assessments suggest the jewellery could be approximately 500 years old, though some estimates place its age at around 800 years. The expert team is now tasked with determining the exact historical period of these precious artifacts in the coming days.
Coincidental Timing and National Attention
Interestingly, the state archaeological department resumed its excavation work on January 9—the same day the jewellery was discovered—after being halted last year due to heavy rains. The excavation made national headlines following the gold find, though department officials maintained that their archaeological work was unrelated to the jewellery discovery.
Despite hopes from some officials and local residents that more gold or precious metals might be uncovered during the excavation, no additional treasures were found at the archaeological site.
Substantial Archaeological Findings
Shejeshwara R, director of the archaeological department, provided detailed insights into the excavation's findings. The work began at a 10x10-meter site opposite the Kote Veerabhadreshwar temple, divided into four 2.5-meter blocks for systematic exploration.
Over more than two months of careful excavation, the archaeological team unearthed numerous significant artifacts including:
- An Adishesha sculpture with seven hoods
- Multiple stone inscriptions
- A donor (daanashastra) slab estimated to date from the 12th century
- Dwarapalaka sculptures
- Decorative stone fragments
- Distinctive sculptural patterns featuring rare carvings of dance poses and ornamental designs
- Human skeletal remains
Based on stylistic analysis, most artifacts are believed to belong to three significant historical periods: the Kalyana Chalukya, Hoysala, and Badami Chalukya eras.
Final Excavation Details and Fort Wall Discovery
The excavation reached a depth of 9-10 feet, continuing until the team reached the natural soil level. During the final phase, archaeologists dismantled the remaining 50-centimeter path between the four blocks, leading to the discovery of a fort wall located between the Veerabhadra temple and Pushkarni.
"We think the fort wall was built during the Rashtrakuta–Badami period, but we need to study it further to confirm this dating," explained Shejeshwara R. "We will submit the final report on the excavation to the department soon."
The archaeological project employed approximately 36 laborers and two supervisors throughout its duration, representing a significant collaborative effort in historical preservation and discovery.
