Karnataka: Gold found during house construction forces govt to launch treasure hunt

New Delhi: The Karnataka government has initiated a carefully monitored excavation drive in the historic village of Lakkundi after gold ornaments were accidentally unearthed during the construction of a residential house, officials said on Friday.

The decision to begin the excavation followed the discovery of a small copper vessel containing gold jewellery weighing around 470 grams. The ornaments, believed to be nearly 300–400 years old, were found by a local boy, who promptly handed them over to the district administration. Officials later felicitated the boy for his honesty.

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According to the state government, a full-scale excavation will now be carried out on the premises of the Kote Veerabhadreshwara Temple, a protected heritage site in the village. The operation is being jointly undertaken by the departments of tourism and archaeology, museums and heritage, along with the Lakkundi Heritage Development Authority and the Gadag district administration.

Heavy machinery, including JCBs, tractors and trucks, has been deployed at the site. Authorities have demarcated a 10-metre by 10-metre area for the excavation and formally notified it for archaeological exploration. An official associated with the operation said that a team of 20 workers, 15 women and five men, has been engaged to help in the process under expert supervision.

Lakkundi, located in Gadag, is widely known for its architectural and cultural legacy. The village has historical links to several major dynasties, including the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Kalachuris and the Vijayanagara rulers. It is also associated with the legendary philanthropist Danachintamani Attimabbe, whose contributions to Jain literature and temple building are well documented.

Archaeology department sources said Lakkundi was once a prominent centre of prosperity and even hosted a gold coin mint in ancient times. Officials believe the region may still hold buried valuables such as gold, silver, pearls, diamonds, corals and cat’s-eye stones.

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Interest in the village has surged following the recent discovery. In November 2024, thousands of ancient artefacts were reportedly found during exploratory work in the area. Precious stones, including sapphires and gems, continue to surface from different locations within the village.

Archaeologists have described the excavation as being of “high historical importance,” noting that it could lead to the discovery of inscriptions, sculptures, monuments and ornaments that would deepen understanding of Karnataka’s medieval history and further highlight Lakkundi’s cultural significance.