Archaeologists in Karnataka have identified the ruins of a 9th-century temple complex attributed to the Rashtrakuta Empire. Located in a remote area of Dharwad district, the site features a series of exquisite Ashta-Matrika (Eight Mother Goddesses) friezes carved into the basalt pillars. The iconographic style is distinct, showing a blend of early Chalukyan and classical Rashtrakuta artistic traditions.
The site was discovered during a routine survey of agricultural lands where stone fragments had been reported by locals. In addition to the friezes, the team found an intact Nandi pavilion and a damaged but identifiable sanctum doorway. This discovery is expected to fill gaps in the architectural history of the region between the 8th and 10th centuries.