Srinagar, May 5: The Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums (AA&M), Jammu and Kashmir has taken custody of rare artifacts recently recovered from the Lolab area of Kupwara district for detailed examination and preservation.
A departmental team led by Dr. Javed Ahmad Mantoo, Surveyor-cum-Excavation Assistant, formally took possession of the artifacts from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Lolab in the presence of Tehsildar Lolab and police officials.
According to officials, the artifacts were discovered in the bed of a local nallah in village Sever at Khurhama in Lolab. The recovered items include a sculpted stone stela and a stone slab with unusual tubular impressions.
Preliminary observations indicate that the sculpted stone may represent a memorial stela dating back to the late medieval period (circa 12th to 14th centuries CE), exhibiting features linked to regional folk art traditions. Officials also noted traces of possible Sharada script inscriptions, which are currently under detailed examination for authentication.
The stone slab with tubular impressions is believed to be of paleontological significance, with initial assessments suggesting it may contain fossil traces associated with the geological formations of the Lolab Valley. Scientific evaluation and precise identification are underway.
The department expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by the District Administration Kupwara and District Police Kupwara in facilitating the recovery and handover of the artifacts.
Authorities have also urged citizens to report any similar discoveries to district or police officials to ensure proper preservation, restoration, and documentation of valuable heritage assets.
