A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed the foundations of a 7th-century Maitraka dynasty temple dedicated to the river goddess Ganga in coastal Saurashtra. This significant find represents one of the few structural temples from this era that specifically highlights the veneration of riverine deities in western India, featuring intricate carvings of aquatic motifs and mythical Makaras. The excavation reveals a unique brick-and-stone hybrid construction technique characteristic of early post-Gupta architecture.
The excavation has also yielded several copper plates that detail land grants provided by the Maitraka kings for the maintenance of the temple and its associated Ghatika (educational institution). These records suggest that the site was not only a center for worship but also a pivotal hub for maritime scholars and traders navigating the Arabian Sea during the early medieval period. The discovery of Persian-style glass beads at the site further confirms the temple's role in active international trade networks.