Hyderabad, April 07: A day before the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya, it was a windfall of gold for the department of archaeology and museums.
Two treasure troves of ancient gold ornaments were discovered in Kurnool district and they were handed over to the department.
In the first incident, workers stumbled upon a copper vase at a depth of one metre under the ground during the construction of a house belonging to T Subbarayudu at Racharla in Peapally mandal in the district.
There were 20 gold coins, each weighing 3.40 gms, in the vase.
Each of the coins had images of Lord Vishnu with four hands flanked by Goddess Sridevi and Bhudevi. “These coins are dated to late Vijayanagara period (16th -17th century). These are generally termed as ‘spherules’ (commemorative) in nature issued probably on festive occasions,” Archaeology and Museums Department director Prof P Chenna Reddy said.
The gold coins would be on display at the Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy AP State Museum on May 15, the International Museum Day.
Another treasure trove consisting nine golden ornaments were received from Jupadu Bangalow mandal. It included a ‘talibottu’ and other gold ornaments weighing 194.60 grams.
It was found by a labourer in the fields of Boya Ramanaidu of Parsumanchala village.
“Last year also we received gold and silver jewellery from Ranga Reddy a day before Akshaya Tritiya,” Chenna Reddy recalled.
–Agencies