The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made a groundbreaking discovery near Hampi, Karnataka, uncovering a buried Vijayanagara-era temple featuring rare elephant sculptures and a brick-built shikhara.
The temple, measuring 4.30metres by 4.25metres, was unearthed during restoration work near the Hazara Rama Temple's southern gate wall.
ASI officials speculate that walls over 10feet high may still be intact underground, pointing to an entire ancient temple that survived centuries of burial since the fall of the Vijayanagara empire in 1565.
The structure has been tentatively identified as a Jain temple, though further excavation will confirm this.
ASI also announced a major modernisation drive for the UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, including boulder stabilisation work, e-buses, and improved security.
