Workers removing silt and weeds at Hosakerehalli Lake, Bangalore, India, discovered a stone structure that turned out to be remains of a “mandapa”, a pillared outdoor hall. The find is believed to be 400 years old.

The pillared structure is believed to have once served for measuring the water level of the lake. It was completely submerged as the lake was filled with sewage, weeds and silt. After digging to the depth of about 3 metres the workers managed to uncover the four granite pillars of the structure. Local residents gathered to witness the structure and adorned it. Some have shared the stories they knew about people coming in to the spot for drinking, irrigation and fishing purposes until the late 1940s. Archaeology officials were notified and are scheduled for investigation of the site. At this stage the building shows patterns typical of south-Indian Chola dynasty period influence (300 BC-1279 AD). A second structure was reported about 200 metres south of the mantapa, but was damaged by workers unknowingly removing earth.

(after The Hindu, Deccan Herald & The New Indian Express)