Investigations begin into theft of priceless carvings

Of the 11 idols, six have been stolen while the rest are disfigured

The Department of Archaeology and Museums, headquartered in Mysore, has launched investigation into the theft of invaluable carvings of 12th century from the Hoysala temple of Brahmeswara in Kikkeri, Mandya district.

C G Betsurmath, Archaeology, Museums and Heritage Commissioner, told Business Standard, the department’s engineers have left for Kikkeri to investigate the incident and report on it. The engineers left for Kikkeri today.

The theft of the rare carvings of bracket figures, popularly known as ‘Madanike’ or ‘Shilabalike’, took place during the week-long Dasara break on October 4 night and came to light the next day. The commissioner said it had come to his attention too and had asked his engineers to visit the temple and give a report.

The rare carvings, no less superior to those mystique beauties seen in the earlier 11th century Belur temple in Hassan district, were known for their intricate work of great artistic level, unique to the Hoysala carvings. They exhibited the masterly work of the Hoysala sculptors on soap stone.

Fitted into four columns and ceilings, the eleven ‘Madanike’ beauties in different dancing postures, were adorning the interior ‘Navaranga’ hall in front of the sanctum sanctorum, exhibiting their beauty and grace.

Of the 11, six have been stolen while the rest are disfigured. Except for these idols, other items, like valuable ornaments of the deity, clothes and donation box (hundi) remain untouched. The sanctum sanctorum is in-tact. The temple, a complex surrounded by an old wall in dilapidated condition, is secured with a huge iron door.

A window is damaged by the thieves, obviously indicating that the theft of heavy stone pieces is the handiwork of a group with smuggling intentions.

Soon after the theft came to light, dog and forensic squads were pressed into service to look for possible clues.