Treasure Unearthed During House Excavation in Karnataka
An 8th-grade student discovers 22 gold ornaments worth ₹60-70 lakh while digging foundation in historic Lakundi village
Gadag, Karnataka – A routine home expansion project turned into an archaeological discovery when a family in Lakundi village stumbled upon a collection of ancient gold jewelry buried beneath their property.
The find occurred when an eighth-grade student spotted a copper vessel while helping dig the foundation for a house extension. Inside the vessel were 22 gold ornaments, including necklaces, bangles, and earrings, weighing approximately 470 grams with an estimated value between ₹60-70 lakh.
Demonstrating remarkable honesty, the young student immediately informed village elders, who promptly contacted the police, tehsildar, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Gadag Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagdish confirmed that officials arrived at the scene, conducted a panchnama (official documentation), and secured the jewelry.
Not a Treasure, Says ASI
Ramesh Malmani, Superintending Archaeologist of ASI’s Dharwad Circle, inspected the site and clarified that this was not technically a treasure trove. He explained that the ornaments were broken and fragmented, with no coins found alongside them.
“In ancient times, people often buried their jewelry near kitchen hearths or cooking areas. This appears to be a similar case,” Malmani said. He added that further investigation would be needed to determine the age of the artifacts, but noted this was a common practice in the past.
The ornaments have been removed from the construction site and placed in secure custody. Meanwhile, construction work has been halted and the area has been sealed off.
What Happens Next?
The investigation will determine whether the family will receive the gold back or be given compensation instead. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed district-level authorities to conduct a thorough review of the matter.
Lakundi is renowned for its architectural heritage and ancient temples, making such discoveries not entirely unexpected in this historically significant region.
Note: The final decision regarding ownership of the discovered ornaments will be made following the completion of the official investigation.
