In a significant archaeological discovery that highlights the ancient spiritual and cultural heritage of Kashmir, a 10th-century stone-carved Shiva lingam has been recovered from the Jhelum River near the Army camp at Khanpora in Baramulla district. The Jammu and Kashmir Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums announced the rare find on Sunday, calling it a “valuable addition” to the region’s historical legacy.
The Shivling, measuring approximately 137 cm in length and 160 cm in width, was unearthed accidentally by local labourers engaged in sand extraction work along the banks of the Jhelum River. The massive stone artefact, believed to date back to the 10th century AD, was immediately brought to the attention of local authorities.
10th-Century Shivling Unearthed in Kashmir by Indian Army
In a remarkable discovery, a 10th-century Shivling was found by the Indian Army during Jhelum river cleaning near Khanpora in Baramulla’s Jhelum valley, North Kashmir.
The 4-ft-high Shivling, bearing inscriptions and… pic.twitter.com/ooWmzXhqTH
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Following its discovery, the Shivling was initially secured by the Indian Army’s 22 Medium Regiment, which was stationed nearby. Recognising the artefact’s historical and religious importance, the Army soon handed it over to the Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums for expert preservation and further study.
In a coordinated effort to ensure its safety and proper documentation, the Shivling was transported to the Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum in Srinagar. The museum will now house the artefact and make it accessible to the public, providing an opportunity for both residents and tourists to engage with a piece of Kashmir’s ancient Shaivite history.
Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the cultural significance of the find. “The recovery of the Shivling is not only an important archaeological milestone but also a powerful reminder of our enduring spiritual traditions. Our department is fully committed to the scientific preservation and respectful showcasing of such priceless artefacts,” he said.
This rare find has been widely welcomed by heritage experts and historians, who view it as a crucial link in understanding the religious and artistic developments of Kashmir during the early medieval period. The presence of such a well-preserved Shivling suggests that the area around Baramulla may have been an active site of Shaivite worship centuries ago.
Officials from the Department also stated that further exploration of the riverbed and surrounding areas may be conducted to determine whether more such artefacts or temple remnants lie buried, awaiting discovery.
The Shivling will soon be formally displayed at the SPS Museum in a dedicated section focusing on Kashmir’s ancient religious iconography, with detailed placards explaining its historical context, estimated period, and cultural relevance.
This discovery not only enriches the archaeological record of Jammu and Kashmir but also reignites interest in the region’s pre-Islamic heritage, often overshadowed in contemporary discourse.
