Rare 6th century stone sculpture of Shiva found in Kashmir

Workers dredging a water reservoir stumbled upon a rare one-faced stone sculpture of Lord Shiva dating back to the 6th century CE in Harwan area in the outskirts of the city, an official said today.

The oval-shaped bust is nearly 2.5 feet in height. It has been handed over to the Department of Archives and Archaeology by the police.

Mohammad Shafi Zahid, the director of the Archaeology Department, said this was the first time that such a sculpture was discovered in Kashmir.

"It is a one-faced sculpture of Shiva of around 6th century CE," he said.

Harwan area is a known heritage site and has archaeological importance. One of the oldest Budhhist sites is also located there.