A Shivalinga, an abstract representation of the Hindu god Shiva, has been discovered in Indrawati Rural Municipality-10, Mahadevtar. The artifact features inscriptions dating back to Sambat 442 (577 BS) written in the ancient Licchavis script.
The inscriptions, consisting of six lines, were found on the fragmented Jalharipeeth (the base of the Shivlinga) amidst mango trees and thorns. This significant discovery was made by a research team deployed by the municipality in collaboration with Himawatkhand Media Pvt. Ltd.
According to Professor Dr. Diwakar Acharya of Oxford University, the inscription dated to Poush 5, Sambat 442 (Shaksambat Manda 577), does not mention the name of the king. The record, engraved on the broken water tank of the Shivalinga, provides valuable insights into the Lichchhavi era.
“The record found outside the Kathmandu Valley is of special importance,” Dr. Acharya remarked. The inscription reveals details about a new member of the most powerful and educated family after the royal Licchavi dynasty, shedding light on his troubled character and mysterious demise.
Srikrishna Dhimal, chief of Himawatkhand Media Pvt. Ltd., stated that along with the Licchavis-era records, artifacts from the Mallam Shah and Rana regimes were also discovered. Among these findings was a statue of the Goddess Saraswati from the Licchavis period, further highlighting the historical significance of the site.
This discovery not only enriches the understanding of the Licchavis period but also underscores the cultural and historical wealth present in regions outside the Kathmandu Valley.
