Vishnu Idol from Post-Gupta Era Unearthed at Hooghly School

Baby Chakravarti, KalimNews, January 23, 2025, Kolkata: A remarkable sandstone idol of Vishnu, believed to be from the post-Gupta era, has been discovered at Bandel Vikramnagar Harnath Nirada Sudandi Ghosh High School in Hooghly. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has confirmed its immense historical value and is conducting further research to determine its precise origins.

The discovery occurred on January 17 during soil excavation for the construction of a bicycle stand on the school premises. The unearthed soil was deposited in a corner of the school field. It was there that two ninth-grade students, Jyoti Mondal and Mohini Sarkar, stumbled upon the statue while playing. Recognizing its uniqueness, they promptly reported it to Bhulore teacher Sangamitra Palit and English teacher Karuna Chatterjee, who immediately understood its historical significance.

Saikat Das, the school's headmaster, expressed pride in the discovery, emphasizing its educational and cultural importance. Biswarup Dey, the school's history teacher with a background in archaeology, conducted initial research and suggested the artifact could belong to the Gupta era. Following his advice, the school authorities contacted the ASI, providing photographs of the artifact for analysis. The ASI confirmed its significant historical value and advised stringent security measures to prevent theft, especially as the school had experienced theft incidents in the past.

The idol was secured in a safe vault until today when Assistant Superintendent of Archaeology (Kolkata Circle) Dr. Sanjay Panda and ASI official Pradeep Kar Harnath visited the school. They conducted a detailed examination of the statue and surveyed the site of its discovery.

Preliminary analysis suggests the idol, depicting a standing figure of Vishnu, may date back approximately a thousand years. The archaeologists noted that the Ganges once flowed through this region, and similar statues have been uncovered in the surrounding 24 Parganas area. The statue will now be transported for further analysis and comparison to determine its exact period and context.

The discovery has created excitement among students and teachers alike, adding a fascinating chapter to the school’s history. The incident highlights the rich cultural and historical heritage embedded in the region's soil, waiting to be unearthed and preserved.