<p>Srinagar: In a significant archaeological find, ancient Hindu idols and ‘Shivlings’ were unearthed during excavation work at Karkoot Nag in the Salia area of Aishmuqam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said.</p><p>According to news agency <em>PTI,</em> the discovery was made during a spring restoration project undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD). As labourers carried out excavation work, they recovered multiple stone idols and ‘Shivlings’, prompting officials to halt work and alert the authorities.</p><p>The site of Karkoot Nag holds deep historical and religious importance, particularly for the Kashmiri Pandit community, which associates it with the Karkoota dynasty — a powerful Hindu ruling dynasty that reigned over Kashmir between 625 CE and 855 CE.</p>.Two terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam.<p>The dynasty, known for its contributions to culture, art, and temple architecture, included notable rulers such as Lalitaditya Muktapida, under whom Kashmir flourished as a centre of learning and spirituality.</p><p>Following the recovery, officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums visited the site to assess the artifacts. They confirmed that the idols would be transported to SPS Museum in Srinagar, where they will undergo material analysis and dating tests to determine their precise age, origins, and cultural context.</p><p>“These idols will be shifted to the museum where our research scholars and archaeological experts will examine them in detail,” said an official from the department. “The findings could shed new light on the early medieval history of Kashmir and the extent of the Karkoota dynasty’s influence.”</p><p>The unexpected discovery has sparked interest among historians and cultural experts, many of whom believe that such findings could help reconnect communities with Kashmir’s diverse and ancient heritage.</p><p>The Department of Archives and Archaeology is expected to release a preliminary report on the findings once the initial round of examination is complete.</p>
<p>Srinagar: In a significant archaeological find, ancient Hindu idols and ‘Shivlings’ were unearthed during excavation work at Karkoot Nag in the Salia area of Aishmuqam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said.</p><p>According to news agency <em>PTI,</em> the discovery was made during a spring restoration project undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD). As labourers carried out excavation work, they recovered multiple stone idols and ‘Shivlings’, prompting officials to halt work and alert the authorities.</p><p>The site of Karkoot Nag holds deep historical and religious importance, particularly for the Kashmiri Pandit community, which associates it with the Karkoota dynasty — a powerful Hindu ruling dynasty that reigned over Kashmir between 625 CE and 855 CE.</p>.Two terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam.<p>The dynasty, known for its contributions to culture, art, and temple architecture, included notable rulers such as Lalitaditya Muktapida, under whom Kashmir flourished as a centre of learning and spirituality.</p><p>Following the recovery, officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums visited the site to assess the artifacts. They confirmed that the idols would be transported to SPS Museum in Srinagar, where they will undergo material analysis and dating tests to determine their precise age, origins, and cultural context.</p><p>“These idols will be shifted to the museum where our research scholars and archaeological experts will examine them in detail,” said an official from the department. “The findings could shed new light on the early medieval history of Kashmir and the extent of the Karkoota dynasty’s influence.”</p><p>The unexpected discovery has sparked interest among historians and cultural experts, many of whom believe that such findings could help reconnect communities with Kashmir’s diverse and ancient heritage.</p><p>The Department of Archives and Archaeology is expected to release a preliminary report on the findings once the initial round of examination is complete.</p>