A routine pond renovation project in East Burdwan has turned into a significant archaeological discovery. An exquisite Vishnu idol, estimated to be nearly 1,000 years old, was unearthed in the village of Palasan, located in the Raina block of West Bengal. The discovery of this black stone (Kasthipathar) artifact has sparked immense curiosity among locals and historians alike.
The Discovery: How History Surfaced
The incident took place at the “Basapukur” pond in the Saipara neighborhood of Palasan village. The pond had been silted for years, and the owner recently decided to renovate it. During the excavation process, as the heavy machinery was digging through the deep layers of mud and silt, the operator noticed a distinct stone object stuck to the tip of the excavator.
Upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be a beautifully carved idol of Lord Vishnu. News of the find spread like wildfire, drawing crowds from neighboring villages. While a brief dispute arose regarding the ownership of the idol between the pond owner and locals, the Raina Police intervened promptly to secure the artifact.
Artistic Features and Historical Significance
Experts have identified the idol as a prime example of Sena Dynasty craftsmanship, dating back to the 11th or 12th century.
Rangan Kanti Jana, Director of the Biswa Bangla University Museum and former curator at Burdwan University, analyzed the iconography of the statue:
Four Arms: The deity holds a Padma (lotus) in the lower right hand, a Chakra (discus) in the upper right, a Gada (mace) in the upper left, and a Shankha (conch) in the lower left.
Accompanying Deities: The central figure of Vishnu is flanked by Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati.
Material: Carved from high-quality Kasthipathar (black chlorite/basalt stone).
According to historians, this discovery reaffirms that the Raina region was once a prominent center for Vaishnavism (the worship of Vishnu) during the medieval period.
Current Status and Conservation
Measuring 33 inches in height and 13 inches in width, the idol is mostly intact but bears the scars of its discovery. Unfortunately, the mechanical excavator caused some damage to the left side of the statue, specifically affecting the nose and the left eye.
The artifact has now been officially handed over to the Burdwan University Museum. Shyamsundar Bera, a staff member from the museum, noted that this is not an isolated find. Last year, two similar ancient idols were recovered from the same Raina police station area and are currently preserved in the university’s collection.
Why This Matters
For archaeologists and researchers, this idol is more than just a religious artifact; it is a vital piece of the puzzle regarding the religious and artistic heritage of the Pala-Sena era. It provides tangible evidence of the stylistic transitions in Bengal’s sculpture and the socio-religious fabric of the region a millennium ago.