Ancient Durga idol found in Jhelum River in Kashmir’s Baramulla; officials say the sculpture will…

An ancient idol of the Hindu Goddess Durga was found from the Jhelum River in Baramulla district in northern Kashmir, and has been handed over to the Archaeology Wing in Srinagar, where it will undergo a detailed examination.

In a statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said a stone sculpture of Goddess Durga was recovered by a fisherman, Nazir Ahmad Latoo, a resident of  Shaltang-Zogyar in Baramulla, while he was fishing in the Jhelum River.

“The sculpture was immediately brought to the notice of authorities and was kept in safe custody at Sheri police station.Following due procedures and directions from the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir, the sculpture was formally handed over to the Archaeology Wing, Srinagar,” a police spokesman said.

According to officials, the stone sculpture will now now undergo detailed examination, documentation, and preservation, which may provide valuable insights into the ancient religious and artistic traditions of Kashmir Valley.  “Such discoveries not only enrich Kashmir’s historical narrative but also underline the importance of community participation in preserving the region’s invaluable heritage,” the police said.

Jammu and Kashmir Police reiterates its commitment to the protection of cultural heritage and urges citizens to promptly inform authorities about any such discoveries of historical or archaeological importance, the spokesman added.

Earlier, in August 2021, a stone idol of Goddess Durga, dating back to the 8th century AD, was found in the Jhelum River at Pandrethan, Srinagar. Carved out of black stone, the 1200-year-old sculpture, recovered by sand laborers, depicts Goddess Durga seated on a throne with four attendants.

The sculpture is currently in the care of the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, as per officials.