✍️ Special Report:Anupam Pal,Kailashahar
History, the narrative of the past illuminating the present, has once again revealed its brilliance in the village of Deorachhara, Bhuiya Para. A hidden relic of antiquity has been unearthed in this small village, shedding light on its ancient past.
On a regular morning, as the sun’s rays barely touched the earth, excavation work was underway in Ward No. 4 of Deorachhara. What began as an ordinary day transformed into a moment of awe as the workers unearthed an ancient treasure—a large stone idol. The discovery brought astonishment to the villagers and left them wondering: whose idol could this be?
The statue measures 90 cm in height, 53 cm in width, and weighs over 200 kg. Preliminary observations suggest it dates back to the 9th century. Some locals believe it to be an idol of Lord Brahma.
Upon receiving the news, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pradeep Sarkar, along with Gournagar RD Block BDO Pranoy Das, rushed to the site. Accompanying them was Abhishek Kumar, the conservation assistant from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), responsible for Unakoti district. The idol was carefully excavated and handed over to the administration for safekeeping.
The recovered statue is currently under the custody of Gournagar BDO Pranoy Das, who has transferred it to ASI conservation assistant Abhishek Kumar. It is now housed in the famous Shaiva pilgrimage site of Unakoti. Known for its ancient Shaiva sculptures and carvings, Unakoti is expected to gain further prominence with this discovery. Archaeologists believe this idol could provide significant insights into ancient religious practices and architectural artistry.
The idol is not just a piece of art but an essential chapter of our civilization’s history. Initial assessments indicate that the statue reflects the spiritual beliefs, artistic expertise, and societal ethos of its time.
This discovery in Deorachhara is a testament to the hidden stories buried beneath Kailashahar’s soil. Residents believe that unearthing these relics is a crucial task for ASI to unravel the mysteries of the past. The statue serves as a bridge between history and the present, a valuable relic that enriches our heritage and culture.
Renowned writer Satyajit Dutta, known for his profound reflections on Kailashahar’s archaeological heritage, shared his insightful perspective on the recovered idol of Lord Brahma. According to him, this idol is not merely an ancient relic but could signify a new dimension in the artistry of Unakoti.
He remarked, “In Unakoti’s artistry, we have traditionally seen a blend of carved idols on rock faces and three-dimensional standing sculptures. Compared to the carved figures, the three-dimensional idols have always exhibited finer craftsmanship. However, today’s discovery showcases a unique combination of these two artistic traditions. Although the artistic finesse of this idol appears slightly less refined, it has the potential to open a new chapter in our understanding of heritage and artistic evolution.”
He further added, “If this idol belongs to the era of Unakoti’s construction, it would compel us to reassess long-held beliefs about our heritage. With ASI conducting an in-depth study of the artifact, it may reveal many unknown chapters of our history and culture.”
The potential of this discovery, blending the intricate artistry of Unakoti’s three-dimensional sculptures with the depth of its carvings, could redefine the way we view Kailashahar’s artistic legacy.
