The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is actively excavating the Pan Supari Bazaar stretch in Hampi, believed to have been a bustling marketplace for gold and precious metals during the Vijayanagar Empire. The excavation spans the one-kilometre stretch between Hazara Rama Temple and Shrungarada Hebbagilu (Beautiful Main Entrance), historically known as ‘Pedda Angadi Veedhi’ (Big Shop Street).
In the past ten days, archaeologists uncovered potsherds like redware, greyware, and porcelain, along with a terracotta bead and a 15th-century bronze or copper coin. The findings are guided by chronicles, inscriptions, and epigraphs from temples and historical texts by foreign travelers. Persian traveler Abdul Razzaq detailed long, thriving bazaars near the king’s palace, where gems and precious metals were traded openly. Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes also described a vibrant marketplace featuring evening fairs and high-value goods.
Previous excavation efforts in 1985 in the same area unearthed traces of areca trade but lacked structural evidence of the market. Renewed efforts, supported by a ₹7 lakh allocation from the Union government, aim to uncover more. Three trenches measuring 10×10 meters are being dug at Enclosure-16, covering a 650 sqm area.
To accelerate progress, ASI plans to collaborate with university archaeology departments, offering students hands-on experience at this significant site while enhancing excavation efforts.
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