During the final phase of a structural stabilization project at a remote temple in Karnataka's Bagalkot district, workers discovered a secret vault located directly beneath the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The vault contained a hoard of twelve idols cast in Panchadhatu, a traditional five-metal alloy. The statues depict various forms of Lord Vishnu and are notable for their refined craftsmanship and lack of environmental corrosion.
Historians state that these idols were likely hidden during the 14th century to protect them from regional conflicts. The temple itself, built in the Later-Chaulukya style, is now being hailed as a masterwork of medieval Indian art, and the newly found bronzes will be housed in a local site museum currently under construction to promote heritage tourism in the rural belt.