ASI finds temple relics in Jharkhand
15 Jan 2008, 1008 hrs IST, PTI

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RANCHI: In a discovery that could shed more light on the antiquity of Benisagar, the Archaeological Survey of India has discovered two inscriptions in 'shell script' among the remains of a temple in the area in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district.

The inscriptions, possibly dating back to several hundred years, closely resemble those seen on the Ashoka Pillar in Vaishali and Rajgir in Bihar, Ranchi circle Superintending Archaeologist T J Baidya said.

The shell script on two boulders were found in the remains of an ancient temple compound having a drainage system on its northern side, he said adding they inscriptions were dug out recently during an operation by ASI.

The remains include the square sanctum (1.8x1.8 metres), the square porch (4x4 metres) and another structure (120x90 cm) that joins the sanctum.

The drainage system, Baidya said, might have been used for discharge of water.

Some scholars maintain that the antiquity dates back to 10th-12th century AD.

However, according to the official the fresh discovery of the inscriptions and remains of the temple complex could push the clock of its historicity back to the 6th-7th Century AD but it could be ascertained only after a thorough examination.