ASI planning to excavate in Hampi

BALLARI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to excavate in Hampi to find out archaeological remains for study and research purposes.
The excavation will be carried out in a big way, if everything goes as per plan in the next few days, said sources.
M Kalimuttu, superintending archaeologist, ASI, Ballari, said the excavation will be carried out with the intention of conducting studies and research; to know the historical importance of the particular area where the excavation will be done.
“Excavations have been done in several places in Hampi in the last few years. Now we are planning at Paan Supari Bazaar. We have sent a proposal to the ASI headquarters in Delhi, seeking its approval to carry out excavation in a 1 sqkm area of the bazaar, which is a ruined marketplace. We have chosen this area since it has a good potential to be excavated. The aim is to find architectural remains, treasure and other historic things which may be buried underground, for research purposes,” he said.
Professor SY Someshekar of the Kannada University in Hampi, said Paan Supari Bazaar was earlier known as Kramak Parnapana Angadi beedi, located opposite Hazara Rama temple, which has a mantapa and a monolithic pillar with ruined remnants.