Mon Nov 25 01:35:00 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Launches Initiative to Preserve Lakkundi’s Historical Heritage

**Lakkundi, Gadag District, Karnataka –** In a significant move to preserve its rich history, the Karnataka State Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Archaeology Museums and Heritage Department, has launched a campaign to restore and protect the historical treasures of Lakkundi village. The initiative aims to secure Lakkundi’s nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For years, many of Lakkundi’s archaeological relics have been neglected, with some used in daily life by villagers. To address this, Tourism Minister H.K. Patil personally visited households, appealing for the donation of historical artifacts. A letter outlining the importance of preserving Lakkundi’s heritage was also distributed to each household.

The campaign, launched on November 24th, has already yielded impressive results. Over 1,050 historical relics, including statues, sculptures, carvings, pillars, inscriptions, and palm-leaf manuscripts, have been collected in just three days. Minister Patil personally participated in the collection, accompanied by department officials. The collected items were paraded through the village in a celebratory procession.

Minister Patil emphasized the importance of highlighting Karnataka’s rich culture and history, stating that the initiative extends beyond Lakkundi. He assured that the collected relics, which have been authenticated by experts, will be safely stored and eventually transferred to a museum or open-air museum. Excavations to uncover further relics are also planned. While the project’s budget is yet to be finalized, the minister expressed gratitude for the villagers’ enthusiastic participation and cooperation. He also announced plans to publicly recognize the contributions of those who donated artifacts.

Lakkundi, a significant economic center in the 10th century known for its minting operations, is poised for a resurgence as a prominent historical site thanks to this dedicated preservation effort.

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