A rare ancient sculpture surfaced near Daragaon village in Nuapada district during the construction of the Lower Indra Irrigation Project.
Local residents discovered the idol inside the dam area and placed it near their village for worship.
Villagers initially believed the sculpture represented Lord Ram, while others identified it as Dhunaki Budha. Recently, Ranbir Singh, Head of the Archaeology and Research Department at Khariar Autonomous College, surveyed the site and examined the artefact. He described it as a hero stone or sati stone, linking it to early regional history.
The sculpture depicts an archer figure with carvings of the sun, moon, and hand symbols above it. Singh noted that such stones often commemorate warriors or heroic acts from ancient times.
Local historians and cultural enthusiasts have urged authorities to preserve the artefact and explore its historical significance. They believe the discovery could shed light on Nuapada’s forgotten heritage and early settlement patterns.
Senior journalist Mayadhar Saraf and other community members witnessed the recovery and called for official documentation and protection of the site.
