Ancient Shiv-Parvati idol found during pond excavation in Itkhori

Chatra: In a cheer for historians and archaeology enthusiasts, an anicent Uma-Maheswar idol has been unearthed during excavation of a pond at Karni village in Itkhori block of Chatra district.The discovery on Saturday created excitement among villagers with people from nearby areas gathering at the site to get a glimpse of the sculpture and offer puja. According to locals, several stone idols were found beneath the ground during the pond’s excavation.The local administration has started collecting details, while experts are examining the historical significance of the idol.Niraj Kumar Mishra, assistant superintending archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ranchi circle, told TOI that the sculpture belongs to the Pala period and is dated between the 11th and 13th century CE.“During the Pala period, sculptures were carved over chloritoid phyllite stone and this is a specific feature commonly seen in Pala-era sculptures,” Mishra said.He added that the stone used is significant from an archaeological perspective. “The quarry where this type of stone is found is located in the Rajmahal area,” he said.The idol, depicting Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati in Uma-Maheswar form, is carved with fine artistic details.

The sculpture shows the deities in divine embrace, in a style associated with medieval Indian sculpture.Experts said the discovery is important as Itkhori has been a major centre of religious and cultural activities since ancient times. The region has witnessed the influence of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions, and several archaeological remains have been found over the years. The area hosts the Maa Bhadrakali Temple, Buddhist stupas and temple of Jain Tirthankar Sheetlanath, whose birthplace is Itkhori.