Sattari, Goa: Archaeologists have recently discovered an ancient idol in Sattari taluka in north Goa, which researchers claim indicates the prevalence of human sacrifice that was in practice in the region thousands of years back.

A senior official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) today said the idol was recently found in Velus village in Sattari taluka.

Researcher Rajendra Kerkar said, “The idol of Lord Vetal was found last week in Velus. This site has already gained importance among the archaeologists after the discovery of a stone inscription a few years back.”

“The idol of Vetal has a sword in one hand and a bowl of blood in the other, which indicates human sacrifice that was in practice in this region thousands of years back. The idol is damaged as it was in the earth for several years,” he added.

“The idol is likely to have been dating back to the   Kadamba dynasty era, which had ruled the Goa region between the 10th and 14th centuries,” Kerkar added.

According to Kerkar, the idol was found lying buried near a temple in Velus village.

Velus village, which is located 70 kms away from Panaji, was a hub of marine trade using Mahadayi river.

The archaeologists said that the stone inscriptions found a few years back, dating back to 1403 BC, are currently on display at the ASI museum in old Goa.

“The discovery of Lord Vetal’s idol in this village has once again cemented the historical fact that there was human sacrifice practiced thousands of years ago in this region,” Kerkar said.

Team TNV