Bhubaneswar, July 15, 2015: Chance finding of six rare Jain idols, perceived to belong to the period between 6th and 12th century AD, from Biripada village near Muniguda in Rayagada district will add to the rich collection of the Odisha State Museum.

The metal idols were discovered from an ancient well-like structure barely 300 metres away from the course of the Bansadhara river near Munigada, which is nearly 385km from here. The idols were found on June 25 when local tribals were digging the place for edible roots.

Culture and tourism secretary Arvind Padhee said: "After getting information on the rare idols, I had deputed a team of officials and archaeologist to Biripada and they are back with the idols. We will consult various experts in the field of archaeology to ascertain their antiquity and then hand them over to the state museum so that people can see them.''

Based on their structural pattern and design, officials and archaeologists of the state archaeology hinted that the rare metal idols might belong to the 10th or 12th century AD. However, they have consulted experts of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Bhubaneswar circle office for a final opinion. Source: telegraphindia.com