101 Wells, 101 Temples Believed To Buried At Lakkundi To Be Unearthed Using Satellite Imaging Technology
“Had it been an open field, archaeologists could have taken villages into confidence and located the hidden wells or temples at Lakkundi by doing ground work and use of drones": Senior archaeologist
BENGALURU: Efforts are on to unearth as many as 101 wells and 101 temples at Lakkundi, a historic village in Gadag district using Satellite Imaging Technology by National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru for excavation to begin. However, archaeologists question the effectiveness over the use of Satellite Imaging Technology at Lakkundi.
Though no documentary evidence is available with the officials of Directorate of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage on the presence of 101 wells and 101 temples at Lakkundi, the decision to initiate excavation of these monuments believed to be buried is based on folklore.
An archaeologist recalled previous satellite images were used to locate a hidden brick structure at Talakadu, the capital of Ganga dynasty in Mysuru about 20 years back. "It was a small area located using satellite images," said an archaeology source.
Previously, Archaeology sources told the Deccan Chronicle survey to identify the hidden monuments at Lakkundi in 1975 but could not proceed owing to certain reasons. However, the officials are more determined to unearth these hidden wells and temples in and around Lakkundi this time.
However, archaeology officials are unsure over the outcome of the capturing of images using satellite at Lakkundi since the village has grown and once open fields have now become houses and capturing images via satellite would be a challenging task.
“Had it been an open field, archaeologists could have taken villages into confidence and located the hidden wells or temples at Lakkundi by doing ground work and use of drones. Now with plenty of construction around it would not be easy even for satellites to locate the buried monuments, if any,” said a senior archaeologist.
Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil also incharge of Gadag district is determined to excavate the hidden wells and temples at Lakkundi and wants to tag Lakkundi as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). H.K. Patil aims to unearth 101 wells and 101 temples at Lakkund by this December.
However, Professor of NIAS M.B. Rajini on Wednesday gave a detailed presentation explaining to officials concerned and Minister H.K. Patil on how satellite technology will come in handy in precise location of buried wells and temples at Lakkundi. Former chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Kiran Kumar assured to render a helping hand in the location of hidden wells and temples at Lakkundi.
