On November 24, Lakkundi came alive with the echoes of its rich history as people gathered to contribute ancient artefacts to help restore the village’s lost cultural glory. The Archaeological Department’s special initiative, aimed at bringing back Lakkundi’s past splendour, received overwhelming support from the local community. The streets of Lakkundi were filled with processions of palanquins, some carrying ancient coins, gold, silver, brass, and copper artefacts. In contrast, others were adorned with carved stones, inscriptions, and palm leaves – all testaments to the town’s historical wealth.
A Community Effort to Revive Lakkundi’s Rich Heritage
The event, led by Tourism Minister H.K. Patil, saw the collection of 1,050 antiquities, including rare sculptures, coins, pearls, and gems, all donated voluntarily by the residents of Lakkundi. Minister H.K. Patil, along with Naragund MLA C.C. Patil, deputy commissioner, and officials from the Archaeological and Tourism Departments, walked through the village, rallying the local community to contribute to restoring the town’s historical significance.
Throughout the day, the people of Lakkundi generously handed over ancient objects passed down through generations. These donations symbolized the villagers’ collective support for the effort to revive their heritage and re-establish Lakkundi as an important cultural landmark.
Significant Land Contributions by Residents
Lakkundi is believed to be home to 101 temples and 101 wells, many of which are still buried beneath the earth. While around 50-60 ancient temples and wells have already been uncovered, several are located on private properties. The Archaeological Department had previously appealed to residents to donate these sites for excavation and restoration. In a show of solidarity, residents from Klamath handed over 18 guntas of land, including houses, to the Archaeological Department. Five other families have also come forward to donate their properties, with plans to provide them alternative accommodations soon.
Excavation Plans and Promising Discoveries
Archaeological officers said excavation work would begin in December, focusing on above-ground and underground artefacts. Preliminary work has already uncovered the remains of several temples buried underground, suggesting the presence of many more waiting to be discovered. Lakkundi is also known for its historical coin mint, which has many ancient coins found in the area. Historians believe that the minting moulds used in producing these coins may also be unearthed with further excavation.
A Stone Age weapon was among the fascinating discoveries made during the antique collection. The artefact, believed to be around 3,500 years old, may suggest that Lakkundi was inhabited during the Stone Age, or it could have been brought to the region by migrating groups. Historian Devarakonda Reddy speculated that the town might have been home to various dynasties such as the Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas of Kalyana, the Kalachuryas, and the Hoysalas, whose influences can still be seen in the architecture of the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple in the area. The temple’s carvings tell stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, offering a glimpse into the region’s cultural richness.
Plans for a Museum and UNESCO World Heritage Status
The collected antiquities will be preserved and studied at a new museum dedicated to Lakkundi’s history. Many inscriptions discovered are unpublished and will undergo further research to reveal more about the region’s past. The state government is also set to recommend to the central government that Lakkundi be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If approved, this recognition would significantly enhance the town’s profile on the global stage, bringing greater attention to its historical and cultural importance.
With continued support from the local community and the government, Lakkundi’s ancient past is poised to unfold in a new chapter, offering locals and visitors a deeper understanding of the town’s historical significance. The restoration of Lakkundi’s rich heritage is a celebration of its history and an effort to ensure its preservation for future generations.
On November 24, Lakkundi wore a festive atmosphere as women carrying kalashes and palanquins adorned with dolls and mangalavadhyas made their way from house to house, collecting coins and antiques. This marked the beginning of the “Exploration of Antiquities in the Lakkundi Heritage Area,” a special program organized by the Archaeological Museum and Heritage Department in collaboration with the Tourism Department.
The program, which ran for ten days, involved several teams led by historians and experts who worked diligently to uncover historical relics and monuments in the area. Their goal is to revive Lakkundi’s historical significance, which is rich in heritage and cultural legacy.
One significant contribution came from Veeraiah, a resident of Lakkundi Kalmath, who handed over 18 guntas of his land to the Archaeological Department for further excavation and preservation.
Discoveries and Future Plans
Officers said gathering all necessary documentation to include Lakkundi in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites had officially begun. A major archaeological excavation occurred from November 22 to 24, resulting in the discovery of 1,050 monuments, 13 inscriptions, and thousands of coins from the Badami Chalukya, Kalachura, and Vijayanagara empires. Among the significant finds was a Stone Age weapon, which will be displayed at the Lakkundi Museum.
Minister Patil shared plans for the future development of Lakkundi. “The funds required to develop Lakkundi as a major tourism hub will be announced in next year’s budget. We have also discovered the remains of 101 wells and temples buried underground. Excavations are scheduled to begin at the end of December to locate and restore these structures. We will be discussing these plans with experts soon,” he said.
With these efforts, Lakkundi is set to reclaim its historical significance and emerge as an important heritage and tourism destination in the state. The ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its rich cultural past will ensure that future generations can connect with the village’s ancient legacy.
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