Gold Discovery Triggers Major Excavation in Historic Lakkundi Village

Gadag, Karnataka | January 16, 2026 The Karnataka government has launched a large-scale excavation in the historic village of Lakkundi in Gadag district after gold ornaments were discovered during the construction of a house. The move comes after a boy found a small copper pot containing gold jewellery and responsibly handed it over to the district administration, prompting authorities to suspect the presence of more buried valuables in the area. Following the discovery, the government ordered a full-fledged excavation at the Kote Veerabhadreshwara Temple premises. The operation is being jointly carried out by the Department of Tourism, the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, the Lakkundi Heritage Development Authority, and the district administration. Heavy machinery, including JCBs, trucks, and tractors, has been deployed, and a 10×10 metre area has been officially demarcated and notified for excavation. Officials confirmed that 15 women and five men have been engaged for the operation. The excavation was initiated after the recovery of a copper pot containing approximately 470 grams of gold ornaments, believed to be 300 to 400 years old. The boy who discovered the ornaments was felicitated by the district administration for his honesty. Archaeology department sources stated that the region is believed to be rich in buried treasures, including gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, corals, and cat’s-eye stones, owing to Lakkundi’s historical prosperity. Lakkundi holds immense historical significance and is known for its association with major dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Kalchuris, and the Vijayanagara kings. It is also linked to the legendary philanthropist Danachintamani Attimabbe and was once a centre for gold coin minting in ancient times. Archaeologists describe the ongoing excavation as being of high historical importance, with expectations of uncovering inscriptions, sculptures, monuments, and ornaments that could deepen understanding of Karnataka’s medieval heritage. Gold Find Sparks Major Treasure Hunt in Karnataka’s Historic Lakkundi The Karnataka government has launched a large-scale excavation in Lakkundi village of Gadag district after gold ornaments were unearthed during house construction. The discovery has drawn widespread attention, as authorities believe the area may still be hiding valuable historical treasures beneath the ground. The excavation was ordered after a local boy found a small copper pot filled with gold ornaments weighing about 470 grams and handed it over to the district administration. The jewellery is estimated to be 300–400 years old, and the boy was felicitated for his honesty. Following this, the government decided to conduct a full-scale dig at the Kote Veerabhadreshwara Temple premises. The operation is being jointly carried out by the departments of tourism and archaeology, along with the Lakkundi Heritage Development Authority and district officials. Heavy machinery has been deployed, and a 10×10 metre area has been marked for excavation. Officials said a team of workers has been engaged to carefully carry out the process. Lakkundi is known for its rich past and links to dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara rulers, and was once a centre for gold coin minting. Archaeologists believe the excavation could lead to the discovery of more ornaments, inscriptions and sculptures, offering deeper insight into Karnataka’s medieval history.