A six-month LiDAR and geospatial survey in Lakkundi aims to locate buried structures and scientifically document Karnataka’s remarkable archaeological heritage.

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• Lakkundi in Karnataka’s Gadag district is undergoing a six-month LiDAR survey under collaboration between state archaeology authorities and Bengaluru’s National Institute of Advanced Studies.LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances and generate high-resolution terrain models for archaeological and topographical mapping without invasive excavation.
• GIS mapping, remote sensing and Ground Penetrating Radar will help identify buried walls, subsurface structures and archaeological landscape patterns.
• Lakkundi is renowned for Western Chalukya architecture, temples, stepwells and inscriptions, with local tradition describing 101 wells and 101 temples.
• Authorities have identified 70 monuments since 2023, including 32 temples, 28 wells and seven other archaeological structures across Lakkundi.
• Excavations have recovered more than 1,500 artefacts during Phase 1, followed by over 1,800 artefacts during Phase 2.
• Karnataka plans state protection for 44 heritage sites and has proposed a three-acre open-air museum showcasing more than 5,000 expected artefacts.
• Neolithic artefacts including a stone axe and grey clay pots from Kote Veerabhadreshwar Temple indicate Lakkundi’s history predates the medieval period.