Conservation work at a remote temple site in the Tumkur district of Karnataka has led to the unearthing of a cache of rare terracotta deities. These artifacts, dating back to the 11th-century Nolamba dynasty, provide new insights into the localized artistic traditions that flourished before the rise of the Hoysalas in the region.
The findings include intricate figures of village deities and guardian spirits, which were found embedded within the temple’s secondary foundation. Experts suggest these were placed as part of a ritualistic consecration ceremony, a practice previously undocumented in such detail for this specific architectural style. The restoration team is now focused on stabilizing the temple's crumbling granite pillars while preserving these fragile terracotta pieces.