1200-year-old ancient sculpture of Goddess Durga discovered in J&K

An ancient idol of Goddess Durga has been recovered by Jammu and Kashmir police in Budgam district on August 13. The sculpture which is estimated to be around 1200-year-old was found by labourers who were extracting sand from the Jhelum river at Pandrethan in Srinagar.

Budgam (J&K): An ancient idol of Goddess Durga has been recovered by Jammu and Kashmir police in Budgam district on August 13. The sculpture which is estimated to be around 1200-year-old was found by labourers who were extracting sand from the Jhelum river at Pandrethan in Srinagar.

Based on specific information, police recovered the idol from the Khansahib area and informed the officers of the Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums to examine the sculpture. Archaeologists on Tuesday have confirmed that the sculpture is indeed that of Goddess Durga which dates back roughly to the 7th-8th AD.

The sculpture measuring 12”x08” has been carved in a black stone, and the Goddess is seen seated on a lion throne along with four other attendants.

The idol has been handed over formally to Mushtaq Ahmad Beigh, the Deputy Director of Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, J&K government and his team by SSP Budgam Tahir Saleem Khan in the presence of ASP Budgam, SDPO Khansahib and other police/civil officers.