The NSS camp of the students of Bilikere First Grade college turned out to be memorable when they came across damaged sculptures belonging to Jainism, in Halebeedu recently.
The students who were involved in a week-long annual NSS camp in Halebeedu, cleaning roads and creating awareness on cleanliness and hygiene as every year, found some stone inscriptions, and statue of Mahaveer on the roadside.
The curious students began excavations near Halebeedu lake, hoping for an adventure. Much to their pleasure, they unearthed statues resembling Bahubali and stone inscriptions dating back to hundreds of years.
Camp convener Dr Ganesh speaking about the statues said there are possibilities of the sculptures being damaged and dumped into the lake after a religious war.
The statues of Bahubali and related sculptures at a place where Shaivism is being given prominence has created enthusiasm among the historians. Researcher P Shekar said that Halebeedu is a suitable place for those interested in History.
The place situated near Gommatagiri Srikshetra has history dating back to hundreds of years, he said. The findings have given a boost to research, he said.
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