Fifteen ancient Hindu idols, including eleven Shiva Lingams, have been discovered during restoration work at the Karkut Nag spring in the Aishmuqam area of Jammu and Kashmir. The artifacts were found buried in stone beneath the spring's water. Preliminary assessments suggest the relics are over a thousand years old, with local accounts indicating they were hidden for protection. The discovery is of particular interest due to its potential connection to the Karkota dynasty, which ruled the region from approximately 625 to 855 CE, a period known for significant advancements in Hindu temple architecture in Kashmir.
Specialists from the archaeology department have examined the artifacts and confirmed their historical and cultural significance. The collection is slated for transfer to a museum for further research, where scientific methods will be used to determine their precise age and origin. The find has generated considerable public interest, fostering a renewed appreciation for Kashmir's rich heritage. The Karkota dynasty, known for its patronage of arts and architecture, notably commissioned the Martand Sun Temple. This discovery provides a tangible link to this historical era and highlights the region's enduring spiritual legacy.