Archaeologists discovered a representation of Ganesh, carved on the defensive wall of a medieval fort, at Kethavaram, Guntur, Central-East India.
The idol is believed to date back to the 16th century as it represents the Vijayanagara style of art, practised during that period. The Ganesh idol holds a pasa (noose) and ankusa (tool for training of elephants) in his upper hands and dantha (tusk) and modaka (type of cake) in the lower hands. A mouse is also carved on the pedestal. The Kethavaram Fort, which was built by the Reddy kings and later conquered by Vijayanagara emperor Srikrishnadevaraya in 1515 during his eastern campaign after capturing the forts of Udayagiri, Kondavidu, Vinukonda, Bellamkonda and Tangeda.
(after Deccan Chronicle)