Excavation work at Lakkundi, an 11th–12th century heritage site in Karnataka’s Gadag district, will begin in the third week of November, officials from the state tourism department confirmed. The initiative aims to strengthen Lakkundi’s bid to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The excavation, originally scheduled to start on November 3, was postponed due to delays in obtaining Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) permissions and the unavailability of key heritage officials.
Over 1,000 artefacts found in earlier surveys
Devaraju A., Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, said the site has already yielded significant historical material.
“Over 1,000 artefacts have been collected from the site through earlier drives and preliminary surveys,” he said. These include temple fragments, coins, idols, and inscriptions believed to date back to the Chalukya dynasty.
Located about 12 kilometres from Gadag town, Lakkundi is home to intricately carved Chalukya-era temples, inscriptions, and stepwells, offering a glimpse into medieval Karnataka’s architectural brilliance.
Heritage site proposal in final stages
On the progress toward securing UNESCO recognition, Devaraju said, “The Lakkundi Development Authority has submitted its feedback to the department. The final proposal will be sent to the Tourism Minister by December 31. Once approved, it will move to the ASI and then to UNESCO by mid-2026.”
He added that a UNESCO expert committee is expected to visit the site following submission of the final dossier.
Community participation boosts discovery
In November 2024, the district administration conducted a three-day artefact collection drive, which saw active participation from local villagers. Residents voluntarily handed over ancient coins, sculptures, and idols found in their homes and agricultural lands.
The initiative helped authorities identify around 60 temples and 10 foundations, which are believed to be part of the 101 temples mentioned in ancient inscriptions.
Plans for museum and conservation efforts
Officials revealed that a dedicated museum is being planned at Lakkundi to showcase the artefacts and temple fragments unearthed during the excavation. Conservation architects are also exploring ways to recreate original temple structures using recovered Chalukyan pillars and carvings.
Government vision for heritage-based tourism
Tourism Minister H.K. Patil, while speaking at the state tourism ministers’ meeting in Udaipur, reiterated Karnataka’s commitment to promoting heritage-led tourism.
“We aim to multiply visitor numbers through heritage-based development,” Patil said. “Our blueprint includes creating tourist influence areas around Lakkundi and other cultural sites, featuring heritage trails, artisan parks, cultural villages, planetariums, and eco-resorts.”
The minister added that the government’s long-term vision is to make Karnataka a premier destination for heritage tourism, blending conservation with modern infrastructure.