Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Dec 9: The remnant of an ancient hollow structure was discovered during construction work at Atrady in Vandse here on Tuesday December 8.

The labourers with the help of a JCB were levelling a slope for the construction of a private school in a land belonging to Sushila Shetty of Atrady, when they came across a hollow in the earth plunging about 4 ft below the ground level. On checking, they found that it was an ancient remnant probably dating back to thousands of years.

As news of the discovery spread, hundreds of curios locals came to the spot to have glimpse of the remnant.

A cashew tree had grown above the remnant. On Tuesday, the labourers chopped off this tree for levelling the land, and the discovery was made during JCB work on this portion of the land. Shaped like a pot, the hollow was partly covered with a slab of stone. The labourers who grew frightened at this discovery stopped their work. The owner of the land immediately informed the revenue department and the police who came to the spot. The tahsildar is also expected to inspect on Wednesday December 9.

It is curious that the hollow remnant was found just 4 ft below the earth's surface. The inner part of the hollow was found to be extremely smooth and delicate. Speculations are rife as to what it could it could have been. Initially, rumours that a 'treasure' had been found brought hundreds of locals to the spot, but there was nothing found inside th hollow. Moreover, the hollow was clean, except of roots of plants dotting its walls.

It is surmised that the hollow space might have been used to store grains during the reign of kings. It is also speculated that it might have been a tomb. "On the face of it, it seems like it might have been an ancient tomb. It might belong to the Budakattu or other populace who had similar tombs. When a person died, his body along with his personal belongings would be placed in a tomb and covered. I have brought this to the notice of officials. The tahsildar will visit the spot and inspect," said Subhashchandra Shetty, principal of Varasiddhi Vinayaka College, Kerady.