In the village of Lalar, in the Janpad Panchayat Panna district, centuries-old sculptures featuring depictions of animals, women, children, and deities have been discovered. These sculptures, believed to date back to the 10th century, have been installed around the platform of the local Shankar Mandir. Experts suggest that the craftsmanship and architecture of these sculptures indicate their historical significance.
Village elders recount that these sculptures were unearthed many years ago while cleaning an ancient stepwell in the village. The stepwell, a historical site in the Panchayat, revealed these artefacts, subsequently placed around the Shankar Mandir. Despite their age and apparent historical value, these sculptures’ detailed history and origin remain unknown to the villagers.
Villagers report that additional sculptures are still present in the ancient stepwell. When the well dries up, these artefacts become visible. The stepwell features stairs down to the bottom, where the sculptures can be seen. The local belief is that these artefacts hold significant historical and cultural value, prompting curiosity and interest in their origins.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to survey to uncover the history of these sculptures. Panna District Panchayat CEO Sangh Priya confirmed that a letter will be sent to the Archaeological Department to initiate the survey. She noted that similar historical sculptures were found during excavations at the Choumukha Mandir, reinforcing the need for a thorough investigation in Lalar.
Priya stated, “The history of these statues will be revealed through a survey by the Archaeologist Department. In the past, historical statues were found during excavations in the Choumukha Mandir. Similarly, a survey will be conducted in village Lalar to gather information about the history of these sculptures.”
Experts assert that the harmony of the structure and intricate carvings of these sculptures suggest they belong to the 10th century. The statues, found years ago during the stepwell cleanup, continue to captivate the local community. Now positioned around the Shankar Mandir, these artefacts reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The discovery has sparked excitement among the villagers, who hope the upcoming survey will shed light on the sculptures’ historical context and significance.
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