A town that saw the rise and fall of many a glorious empires is set to rise again as the new heritage tourism destination of Karnataka.

Lakkundi, a tiny village in Gadag district of Karnataka which is strewn with heritage structures and temples will be developed as part of a new heritage tourism circuit by the government of Karnataka.

This village in Gadag that one encounters on the way to Hampi from Hubballi, is home to more than 101 step wells, over 50 temples, and around 29 inscriptions that trace the times of the later Chalukyas who wrested power from the Rashtrakutas and made Kalyani their capital. Temples of their era and onwards are found majorly in Lakkundi now.

This tiny treasure trove of history, heritage and architectural wealth will now be developed as a heritage site with an initial budget of Rs 3 crore, tweeted Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr Ashwath Narayan.

Even hailed as equaling the popular site of the Vijayanagara empire Hampi in its antiquity and heritage wealth, this little village is a treasure trove for heritage enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for step wells.

Originally known as Lokkigundi, this village is home to numerous Jain temples whose ornate architecture leaves enthusiasts awestruck. Though the previous government too had the development of this village on its cards, the plans seem to have materialised only after three years of its original proposal.

In 2018, various sculptures and inscriptions dating back to the 11th century had been discovered at a site in Lakkundi which reportedly had once been a place where stood a fort. Sculptures of Yaksha and Saraswati, Thirthankara idols and many broken sculptures, along with many inscriptions had been discovered when workers were digging at a house construction site near the Naganath temple.

The Brahma Jinalaya is said to be the oldest temple in the village dating back to 1007 CE and was built by 'Danachintamani' Attimabbe.

Hopefully the renewed interest in this tiny town that was once also the mint of the royals rewrites its fortunes and steers interest in its development and the upkeep of the exquisite structures.

Also read: Gadag – Home To Fascinating Temples Of Kalyani Chalukyas