The Karnataka government has announced plans to begin excavations at the Lakkundi heritage site in Gadag district. This decision comes directly after the discovery of antique jewellery at the location on January 10. Officials have confirmed that digging operations will commence from January 16.
Documentation and Investigation Underway
The district administration has taken immediate steps to document the findings. They have handed over photographs and video recordings of the discovered jewellery to archaeological department officials. This transfer occurred on Tuesday night, according to local authorities.
Sharanu Gogeri, the commissioner of Lakkundi Heritage Development Authority, provided specific details about the process. He stated that District Commissioner C N Sreedhara personally delivered the visual evidence to archaeological officials R Shejeshwar and Ramesh Mulimani.
Detailed Recording of Antiquities
Initial documentation focused solely on the weight of the jewellery pieces. However, officials have since conducted more comprehensive measurements. They have now recorded the length and breadth of every single article discovered at the site.
Gogeri explained the next steps clearly. "Once we receive the official report from the archaeological departments, the district administration will issue a formal notification," he said. This report will help determine the exact age and historical significance of the items.
Land Acquisition for Museum Development
In a parallel development, the state government has approved a significant land purchase proposal. Tourism Department Joint Secretary N Pushpa confirmed this approval. The government will acquire three acres of private land adjacent to the excavation site.
The land purchase carries a price tag of 1.6 crore rupees. Gogeri clarified that the authority will buy this land directly from the current owners. This acquisition serves a specific purpose - establishing an open-air museum at the location.
Conservation of Previous Discoveries
The planned museum will serve as a conservation center for numerous antiquities. It will specifically preserve more than 1,300 antique items recovered during a mass drive conducted in November 2024. This represents a substantial collection of historical artifacts from the region.
Official Excavation Permissions and Appointments
The Archaeological Survey of India has granted formal permission for the excavation work. This authorization specifically covers the Veerabhadreshwar Temple area within the village. The survey has also appointed key personnel to oversee the project.
Senior archaeologist T M Keshwav will serve as the excavation director. Another archaeologist, R Shejeshwar, will take on the role of co-director. These appointments ensure professional oversight of the entire excavation process.
The upcoming excavation represents a significant step in uncovering the historical layers of Lakkundi. Local authorities appear committed to both discovering new artifacts and preserving existing collections through the museum project.
