Mysore/Mysuru: As part of World Heritage Week, the five-day exhibition of Doddalathur Archaeological findings, organised by the Department of Studies in Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore (UoM), in association with Mythic Society, Bengaluru, at the Department premises in Manasagangothri, which was to conclude today (Nov. 28), has been extended till Dec. 2. Public can visit the expo from 11 am to 4 pm.

The articles of archaeological importance that date back to the stone age and megalithic age, mainly four cists of 140 cm in length and remnants of urn burials, excavated at Doddalathur in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, have been kept on display, along with other articles.

The cynosure of the exhibition is an iron object, which is circular in shape with two loops  on either sides, akin to an iron shield, with weapons like axe, arrow and a two-pronged sword, all dating back to 300 AD.  The Hero Stones belonging to later years have also been preserved and kept on display for the history buffs.

The field work led by Dr. V. Shobha, Director, Department of Studies in Ancient History and Archaeology, was carried out from October 2024 to February 2025, with the funding of Mythic Society.

“A total of 13 burials, comprising stone and cairn circles, constructed with natural boulders of different diameters, were opened. Four contained cists or stone-slab chambers were found, and the rest were burials,” she said. C.B. Patil, retired officer of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), co-directed the excavation.

Dr. R.N. Kumaran, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, inaugurated the event.  Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kumaran, who currently heads the Excavation Branch-VI in Mysuru, said excavation is very much essential to understand human history, along with reading of inscriptions to dig into the facts surrounding

civilisation and the knowledge of literature. Apart from Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, which is declared as UNESCO World Heritage site, the local sites of importance carry historical significance. There is a need to study them, with the modern apparatus like Geographical Positioning System (GPS), survey, information collected from locals, coming in handy in identifying the site of excavation.

UoM Vice-Chancellor Prof. N.K. Lokanath, who also spoke, said, the interest and curiosity, is vital to study the ancient history and archaeology, and also to visualise the past and future society.  In this wake, Department of Studies in Folklore is being readied at a cost of Rs. 32 crore to collect and display materials of related importance. Likewise, the findings of Department of Studies in Ancient History and Archaeology, during excavations, should be kept on display.

Mythic Society President V. Nagaraj said, the study of excavation sites and materials of archaeological significance create a conducive environment for totality of the nation. The understanding over Brahmi literature being the core for studying all scripts has created a feeling of integrity.

Mythic Society Secretary Dr. S. Ravi and others were present.