Ancient gold coins were found during excavations near the Marikamba temple at the Kavaledurga fort in the taluk on Saturday.
Tahsildar Lokeshappa confiscated 236 small gold coins and one big coin that were found in a drinking water container made of copper, after he was informed by the village residents. The copper container was found when workers were digging the ground in and around the temple.
A team of the taluk administration officials led by tahsildar Lokeshappa rushed to the spot along with the police and confiscated the coins.
Speaking on the occasion, Lokeshappa said the coins contain Arabic letters and the Moon symbol. They were different from one another. The gold coins are said to be from Tipu Sultan’s period.
The coins - measuring around 800 gram - were found in the copper container which weighs two kg. The mud found in the container has been preserved for research. The taluk administration will take the next step based on the directions by the deputy commissioner.
The fort was built in the 9th century. It was renovated in the 14th century by Cheluvarangappa. Kavaledurga - also called Bhuvanagiri - was a stronghold of the Nayakas of Keladi who were feudatories under the Vijayanagara rulers. They became independent after the fall of the Vijayanagara kingdom.
The fort was attacked by Mughals.
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