VASCO
A rare Sati stone sculpture, estimated to be about 300-400 years old, was found in the compound of an unoccupied bungalow near the MPT administrative building.
The stone sculpture, which was found by MPT Dy Conservator Capt Manoj Joshi, was lying covered under bushes in the compound of a bungalow which is not in use, stated an MPT media release.
Capt Joshi secured the stone sculpture and immediately contacted the Directorate of Archives, informing them of his precious find.
Varad Sabnis, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist at the Directorate of Archives & Archaeology later visited MPT and took possession of the stone sculpture.
On examining the stone sculpture, Sabnis said it is around 300-400 years old and is a memorial of Sati or sacrifice done by a woman to the society.
The stone sculpture has been shifted to the Directorate of Archives and Archeology and it will be on display for public viewing at the State Museum.
Speaking to the media, a happy Capt Joshi said he had stumbled on the rare sculpture around 20 days ago.
“I was taking a stroll around my bungalow, located near a fort at Harbour which is under the Archaeology department, when I suddenly found an unusual stone behind the bushes.
“It appeared to be little different from other stones and on a closer look, I realised it had some carvings on it. I took possession of the sculpture since I feared someone else may take it or it could be damaged and contacted the Directorate of Archives,” said Capt Joshi.
Capt Joshi said he was extremely happy to have unearthed an antique artefact which could be a national asset.
Speaking to reporters, Sabnis said the sculpture was a valuable element of the past and very significant from an archaeological point of view.
“We have taken custody of the stone and very soon we will display it in the museum,” Sabnis said.
