A significant discovery of ancient gold ornaments in Karnataka has taken an official turn, culminating in a promised reward for the finders.
The Karnataka Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage has officially classified a cache of gold jewellery unearthed in Lakkundi, Gadag district, as “treasure.” This designation comes with a commitment to recommend a financial reward for the family that discovered it.
The decision follows a site visit by the department’s director, Dr. Shejeshwar R. He confirmed the ornaments—including rings, a bracelet, and a bangle totalling roughly 500 grams—are over a century old, legally qualifying them as antique treasure.
“This encourages honesty,” Dr. Shejeshwar stated, noting the family promptly reported the find. “We will recommend a suitable reward.”
The declaration contrasts with an initial assessment from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A senior ASI archaeologist had previously doubted the items were centuries-old treasure, suggesting they might be a more recent family cache.
State authorities, however, cite the discovery context. The ornaments were found sealed inside a copper pot, buried five to six feet deep during house renovations in an area with a rich historical past. Lakkundi was a major city prior to the 14th century, with evidence of even older Stone Age settlements nearby.
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As per the state’s rules, the recommending reward is one-fifth of the treasure’s assessed value. The final compensation now awaits formal determination by the district administration.
The find highlights the complex process of evaluating accidental discoveries. It also underscores the state’s policy of incentivizing public cooperation in preserving national heritage.
