During a major structural restoration project of a neglected Hoysala-era triple-shrine (Trikuta) temple near Hassan, conservators from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stumbled upon a sophisticated ancient engineering secret. Beneath the heavy granite floor slabs, they discovered a thick layer of mercury-and-lime amalgam used as a waterproofing agent.
This "liquid-seal" technology allowed the temple to withstand heavy monsoon rains for nearly 900 years without moisture seeping into the foundations. The restoration team is now documenting this material to better understand the chemical knowledge possessed by medieval Indian temple architects. The project also uncovered a series of miniature stone carvings depicting the 108 poses of Bharatnatyam on the internal pillars.