Archives Department Takes Custody of Rare Medieval Artifacts Found in Kupwara

SRINAGAR, May 05 — A specialized team from the Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, led by Javed Ahmad Mantoo, has officially taken possession of rare artifacts recently discovered in the Lolab Valley of Kupwara.

The handover took place in the presence of the SDM Lolab, local revenue officials, and police personnel to ensure the items are moved into professional care for detailed examination and identification.

The recovery follows a report from the Kupwara district administration regarding significant finds located in the bed of a local stream in Sever village, Khurhama.The collection includes a stone sculpture stela and a stone slab featuring unique tubular impressions.

Preliminary assessments by experts suggest the sculpted stone is a memorial stela likely dating back to the late medieval period, specifically between the 12th and 14th centuries.

The artifact displays artistic features consistent with regional folk traditions and contains traces of what appears to be the ancient Sharada script.

Researchers are currently working to authenticate and decipher these inscriptions to better understand the historical context of the piece.In addition to the medieval sculpture, the team is investigating a stone slab with tubular markings that has sparked paleontological interest.

Initial observations indicate these could be trace fossils linked to the geological formations inherent to the Lolab Valley.

While scientific evaluation is ongoing to confirm their exact nature, the Department expressed gratitude to the Kupwara district administration and police for their coordination.

Officials have also urged citizens to report any similar discoveries to the authorities to ensure the preservation and restoration of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.