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Karnataka archaeology dept calls Lakkundi find a ‘treasure’, recommends one-fifth of its value to family
The statement by the director of Karnataka’s Department of Archaeology, Museum and Heritage came a day after an ASI archaeologist said the gold ornaments were unlikely to have been buried centuries ago.
Ornaments of around 500 g, including rings, bracelet and a bangle, were among the items found in the copper pot.
Karnataka’s Department of Archaeology, Museum and Heritage has decided to classify the gold ornaments recovered from a copper pot at Lakkundi in Gadag district as a treasure. It will also recommend a financial compensation equal to one-fifth of the value of the ornaments to the family that unearthed the valuables.
Dr Shejeshwar R, Director, Department of Archaeology, Museum and Heritage, who visited the village on Monday, said the ornaments recovered were definitely more than 100 years old. “Anything more than 100 years old is considered an antique, a treasure,” he said.
This came a day after an official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) denied reports of it being a treasure. Ramesh Mulimani, Senior Archaeologist, ASI, who visited the village, said the recovered ornaments were unlikely to be a treasure that was buried centuries ago, and suspected that the ornaments could have been buried by the ancestors of the family members residing in the house.
Shejeshwar said the manner in which the ornaments were found indicated that they were an artefact. “We will examine it and submit a report to the district administration. Since the family was honest in handing over the treasure and to encourage others to do so in the future, we will recommend a suitable reward for the family,” he said.
Ornaments of around 500 g, including rings, bracelet and a bangle, were among the items found in the copper pot. It was discovered at a depth of five to six feet when Ganagavva Basavaraja Ritti started construction to modify the house. There has also been evidence of Stone Age settlements around Lakkundi, which was a major city before the 14th century.
As per rules, financial compensation equal to one-fifth of the value of the treasure will be provided to the family, Shejeshwar said, adding that the district administration would soon take a call on it.
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