Ancient Stone Sculpture of Goddess Durga Unearthed from River Jhelum
The sculpture was recovered on Thursday by local fisherman Nazir Ahmad Latoo, a resident of Baramulla’s Shaltang, Zogyar village
SRINAGAR: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday announced the recovery of an ancient stone-carved sculpture of Goddess Durga, retrieved from the depths of the River Jhelum in Baramulla district. The remarkable discovery adds yet another chapter to the region’s rich tapestry of Hindu cultural and archaeological heritage, which continues to surface through riverbed finds and excavation efforts, officials said.
The sculpture was recovered on Thursday by local fisherman Nazir Ahmad Latoo, a resident of Baramulla’s Shaltang, Zogyar village. While casting his nets in the Jhelum, Latoo noticed the intricately carved artifact and immediately informed Police Station Sheeri in Baramulla. Acting swiftly, the police secured the sculpture and placed it under safe custody.
In accordance with official procedures, the artifact was formally handed over on Friday 26 to the Archaeology Wing of the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, Jammu and Kashmir, in capital Srinagar.
In a statement, Baramulla Police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the region’s cultural legacy. A statement said, “We reiterate our commitment to the protection of cultural heritage and urge citizens to promptly inform authorities about any such discoveries of historical or archaeological importance.”
The precise age and stylistic origins of the Durga sculpture will be determined through expert examination. However, such discoveries from the Jhelum River consistently highlight Kashmir’s deep-rooted Shaivite and Shakta traditions, which flourished across centuries and left behind a wealth of sculptural and architectural remains, an official told this newspaper.
This recovery follows another significant discovery earlier in the year. In August, a well-preserved stone-carved Shivling, estimated to date back to the 10th century AD, was unearthed from the Jhelum near Khanpora in Baramulla during sand extraction by local workers. Measuring 137 cm in length and 160 cm in width, the artifact drew immediate attention due to its size and craftsmanship.
The Indian Army’s 22 Medium Regiment initially secured the Shivling before transferring it to the Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums. It now rests under preservation and public display at the Sri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum in Srinagar.
Museum Director Kuldeep Krishan Sidha had hailed the find as “a vital archaeological discovery and a testament to our cultural legacy,” emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts among local communities, security forces, and heritage institutions in protecting J&K’s ancient past.
These recent recoveries resonate with earlier archaeological findings that underscore Kashmir’s long-standing sculptural traditions. In February 2017, excavations at the historic site of Semthan in Bijbehara (Anantnag district) uncovered several artifacts associated with the celebrated Kashmir School of Sculpture.
Among the discoveries were three fragmented stone sculptures of Lord Vishnu, missing their faces, limbs, and other features, yet stylistically identifiable as belonging to the 12th century AD. Excavators also recovered two partial figures clad in war attire and mounted on elephants—further evidence of the region’s sophisticated artistic heritage.
All artifacts were transferred to the SPS Museum for preservation, study, and documentation. Archaeologists noted the site’s immense potential, anticipating that further excavations could reveal additional layers of Kashmir’s ancient cultural landscape.
“Taken together, these recurring discoveries—from riverbeds, sandbanks, and archaeological sites—offer compelling insights into Kashmir’s historical role as a vibrant center of Hindu temple art, iconography, and worship. Despite the passage of centuries and the erosive forces of nature, these artifacts continue to emerge, reminding us of the region’s layered civilizational past,” official who requested anonymity said.
He added, “They also underscore the urgent need for sustained conservation efforts, public awareness, and scholarly research to protect and interpret Jammu and Kashmir’s archaeological treasures for future generations”.