Copper Pot With Ancient Gold Jewellery Found In Gadag’s Lakkundi
When police reached the spot, a large crowd had gathered, prompting officials to call in additional forces as precautionary measure
Gadag: In a discovery that offers a glimpse into the past, a copper pot containing gold ornaments was unearthed on Saturday while the foundation was being dug for a house in the historic village of Lakkundi in Gadag taluk. The discovery was made at Rittioni on Saturday afternoon.
“Showing remarkable honesty, Prajwal Ritti, an eighth-standard student, who noticed the copper pot, immediately brought the find to the notice of elders in the village, panchayat members and former Zilla Panchayat president Siddu Patil,” Gadag SP Rohan Jagadeesh told reporters.
The matter was promptly brought to the attention of district in-charge minister HK Patil. Meanwhile the copper pot with gold was safely placed inside a temple in the village.
When police reached the spot, a large crowd had gathered, prompting officials to call in additional forces as precautionary measure. The temple door was later opened and the pot examined in the presence of two government panchas (witness) and two non-government panchas. The entire procedure was videographed. The Tahsildar, Additional Deputy Commissioner and a gold appraiser were also present during the process.
Rohan Jagadeesh said the copper pot contained 22 gold items, weighing between 466 to 470 grams.
“The items were listed. It contained various ornaments, including different types of chains, a forearm ornament, ear ornaments and coins. Some of the items appeared to be broken,” he said.
The copper pot itself weighed around 630 grams.
“A panchanama was conducted, all procedures were followed, and the articles were handed over to the Tahsildar through the Rural Inspector, as per the prescribed process. The ornaments have been placed under protection and moved to the treasury,” he said.
At current market rates, the value of the gold ornaments is estimated to be around Rs 60–65 lakh. However, officials said the historical value of the find could be far greater. “We cannot assess it purely based on gold value. Its historical significance is yet to be determined. Once officials from the Archaeology Department study the ornaments, we will know their period and importance,” the SP said.
The SP also lauded young Prajwal Ritti for his honesty in reporting the find.
Sharanu Gogeri, Commissioner of the Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority, said the ornaments include necklaces, rings and bangles, all bearing ancient designs. “Experts will conduct a detailed study to determine the age and origin of the ornaments,” he said.
Lakkundi is a historically significant village that once flourished under the Kalyani Chalukyas. The region was later ruled by the Kalachuris, Seunas and Hoysalas, making it an important centre of heritage and archaeology.