A historic discovery in Sambhal reveals ancient temples, wells, and stepwells, offering valuable insights into the region’s cultural heritage, say Biswajeet Banerjee and Sajid Khan
What began as a routine inspection by district officials to check noise levels from loudspeakers and illegal electricity connections in the Muslim-dominated Khaggu Sarai area of Sambhal has turned into a historic archaeological discovery. On 14 December, a team led by the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) stumbled upon a locked structure. Breaking open its doors revealed not just an abandoned Shiva temple but also a wealth of history hidden beneath layers of soil and silt.
The discovery of the temple, which had been locked for 46 years, has prompted a flurry of activity, including surveys by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Early reports suggest the temple, and other relics unearthed nearby, may date back several centuries, providing invaluable insights into Sambhal’s rich cultural and religious history.