An archaeological survey in the Hassan district of Karnataka has led to the discovery of a lost 8th-century Jain Basadi (temple). Attributed to the Western Ganga dynasty, the structure is notable for its exceptionally detailed friezes depicting the Ashta-Karma—the eight types of karma in Jain philosophy. This is the first known instance of these complex theological concepts being represented so comprehensively in stone sculpture from this era. The temple architecture shows a refined blend of Dravidian and local Kadamba styles.
The Basadi includes a small, perfectly preserved Manastambha (honorific pillar) at its entrance, standing nearly 15 feet tall. Excavations around the foundation revealed several bronze votive idols of Tirthankaras and lead plates inscribed with the names of local merchants who funded the temple's construction. Heritage experts are calling for the site to be declared a protected monument to prevent encroachment from surrounding agricultural land, noting that the 'Western Ganga' style is critical to understanding the evolution of medieval South Indian architecture.