Lakkundi Excavation: Ancient Treasures Found Amid Calls For Better Worker And Heritage Care

The excavations in Lakkundi also referred to as Lokkugundi in Gadag district, has now entered its seventh day. They're finding some cool old stuff, which has experts pretty excited. But there are a few big problems like how the workers are treated and the fact that nearby historical sites are falling apart.

The excavation work initiated by the district administration along with the public works department and the archaeological department vets was launched on the seventh day.

As part of the project, Gadag District Administration, Archaeological Department, Tourism Department, and Lakkundi Development Authority are closely involved. With each shovel a new chapter of the archaeological history of Lakkundi unfolds not only to the scientific world but also to the residents of the place.

Coins, bones and metal artefacts unearthed

Another metal object, a coin, shaped piece, was found last Thursday during the excavation at the site. The object, according to the initial determination, was a temple or a religious ritual in which a camphor burned to light the flame was used in the old days. To

Alongside the discovery of the artefact, a bone piece of approximately two inches was dug out creating a keen interest in the inhabitants. This finding is a follow, up to the collection of five other smaller bone fragments from the site on day six which collectively raise questions about the history of the site restaining masker.

It is estimated that about 35 workers are presently carrying out the excavation work which officials indicate that they have over the last week already discovered several rare artefacts. Excavating deeper will most likely result in more discoveries.

Fingerprint wear creates issues for biometric attendance

Although there is significant archaeological progress, the labourers here have biometric attendance problems. The fingerprint ridges of these folks have been compromised over years of handling soil and stones, thus scanners have difficulties recognising them.

Since completion of daily work can only be confirmed using biometrics for which the workers receive their daily wages, the workers were fearful of losing their wages if after many attempts their attendance was not recorded. Some of the officials reluctantly agreed to take manual attendance by signing a register to keep the work going without interruptions.

But the labourers have requested that a permanent solution be found to avoid such problems in the future and also to guarantee fair wage payments during the period of excavation.

Honesty laurels lands for Panchayat

Meanwhile, the Lakkundi Gram Panchayat has agreed to give 30x40 plot of land in Maruti Nagar to the family of Prajwal Rithi. This came after the boy was recognised for his honesty when he surrendered the treasure found on private property to the authorities instead of keeping it for personal benefit.

Siddhara Bavi's neglect sparks public anger

Even as excavation activity brings renewed focus to Lakkundi's archaeological importance, residents have voiced strong concern over the neglected state of the historic Siddhara Bavi, located a short distance from the dig site.

Lakkundi is famous for the saying "101 wells and 101 temples" and Siddhara Bavi is regarded as one of the most significant water structures there. The well, which is close to the Veerabhadreshwara Fort and the Chandramouleshwara Temple, is now covered with moss, weeds, and the water is contaminated.

The local residents have demanded the well be cleaned and restored immediately. They have pointed out how neglecting such an important heritage structure goes against heritage conservation efforts, particularly when such an excavation is taking place nearby.

Moreover, the inhabitants have sought a special grant from the state and central governments for Lakkundi and other heritage sites so that there can be systematic conservation. They have requested Bagalkot MP P.C. Gaddigoudar to come to the village, see both the excavation site and Siddhara Bavi, and address their issues.

Even as the excavation unearths archaeological treasures, the locals are of the opinion that all three things, i.e. the archaeological research, the welfare of the laborers, and the preservation of the heritage, should be advanced simultaneously so that Lakkundi's historical and cultural richness can be safeguarded