Hampi’s Hidden Treasures: ASI excavates Pan Supari Bazaar, once the heart of precious metal trade

Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are currently excavating the one-kilometre stretch of Pan Supari Bazaar, located between the Hazara Rama Temple and the Shrungarada Hebbagilu (Beautiful Main Entrance) at Hampi, in Vijayanagar district.

It is believed that this stretch of road, known as ‘Pedda Angadi Veedhi’ (Big Shop Street) during the Vijayanagara period, was once a bustling market where gold and other precious metals were traded at the height of the powerful medieval South Indian kingdom.

In the past 10 days of excavation, archaeologists have uncovered various potsherds, including redware, greyware, and porcelain. Additionally, terracotta beads and coins, believed to be from the 15th century and made of either bronze or copper, have also been discovered.

The excavation is being guided by historical chronicles and epigraphs discovered in various temples, monuments, and travel accounts from ancient times.

Nikhil Das, the Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI Hampi Circle, noted, “Most research at Vijayanagar has concentrated on the city’s southern, western (the most extensively studied area), and northern regions, while the eastern part of the city remains relatively underexplored.”

Das stated, “Inscriptions on temples and records from foreign travellers provide undeniable evidence of a thriving marketplace at what is now known as Pan Supari Bazaar.”

He said the description also points out that ‘Pedda Angadi Veedhi’ is the place where the trade of precious Das stated, “Inscriptions on temples and records from foreign travellers provide undeniable evidence of a thriving marketplace at what is now known as Pan Supari Bazaar.” He added that the descriptions also indicate that ‘Pedda Angadi Veedhi’ was the site where the trade of precious metals took place.

This is not the first excavation in the area. In 1985, the ASI began excavating a 150 sqm site in front of the Hazara Rama Temple, uncovering evidence of widespread trade in areca nuts and related products. However, no large structures or monuments were discovered during that excavation. The project was halted at the time due to a lack of funding.

The Union Government has now allocated Rs 7 lakh for the excavation, with assurances of additional funding. Officials have dug three 10×10 meter trenches at Enclosure-16, hoping to uncover traces of a bustling market area within the 650 sqm site.