Ancient stone idol unearthed during pond excavation in Malda
The Statesman | 30 April 2026
A routine pond excavation in Malda district took a dramatic turn after a centuries-old stone idol was unearthed from beneath the soil, triggering widespread curiosity and excitement among locals.
The incident occurred in Bhalukdanga village under Shahjadpur Gram Panchayat in Gazole block, where excavation work had been underway for the past few days. On Wednesday morning, an excavator engaged in digging operations struck a hard object, bringing to light what appeared to be an ancient stone sculpture buried underground.
As news of the discovery spread, villagers thronged the site. The artefact was carefully cleaned, revealing intricate carvings that led locals to identify it as an idol of Lord Vishnu. In a spontaneous expression of devotion, residents soon began offering prayers at the spot, briefly turning the excavation site into a place of worship.
Police from Gazole police station reached the scene promptly after being informed and took possession of the idol. It has since been shifted to the police station for safekeeping, pending further examination.
Officials are expected to notify the archaeology experts to assess the idol’s antiquity and historical significance. The discovery has once again drawn attention to the rich archaeological potential of the Barind region.
Notably, several ancient idols and relics have been recovered over the past few decades from different parts of the Barind belt, particularly in Habibpur and Gazole blocks of Malda, as well as adjoining areas of South Dinajpur district. Of special significance is Jagajjibanpur, a site that has emerged as a key centre of archaeological interest following the discovery of remains linked to the Pala dynasty.
Excavations at Jagajjibanpur have provided valuable insights into early medieval Bengal, reinforcing the region’s historical importance.
Experts believe that the latest find could be part of this larger cultural and historical continuum, underscoring the need for systematic exploration and preservation efforts in the area.