Team Herald

MARGAO: Natives of Chandor and historians expressed fear of destruction to Mahadev Temple of Kadamba period at Chandor, taking serious note of its ongoing renovation works. They assume stones having historical value may have been stolen from the site.

Historians have urged the Archaeological Department to preserve this historical heritage site and not to renovate it.

Many have claimed that the bricks that were used for its foundation have an archaeological value, which needs to be preserved. However, due to the ongoing work those old bricks cannot be seen and construction has been done over it.

Speaking to Herald, Yogesh Nagvekar said, “They should have taken guidelines from local historians. As we all know Chandor was the capital of Goa at that time. The remains of the temple, discovered in 1930, testify to the persecution of the people by Mohamed Tughlaq and the Portuguese.”

He further said that the broken idol of Nandi is a symbol of the destruction of the temple. This place is on the side of Garbhkund, Nandi and further research is required.

Historian Prajal Sakhardande said that before this the Agvad Fort Jail in 1624 was renovated. Attempts to pour cement on the temple at Tambadi Surla were blocked.

“Do not erase historical symbols. While the State government is talking about the reconstruction of temples, the archaeology department is trying to erase the historical signs. If the temples are renovated, there will be no signs of antiquity”, said Sakhardande.

He further said that a letter has been sent to the Archaeological Survey of Delhi in this regard.

Sakhardande claimed during the excavations carried out by Father Henry at Chandor in 1930, brick-like structures from the Satavahana period were found. Then the coin was found.

“New construction has been done without protecting the stone construction there. Historic stones may have been sold in the name of renovation. There is outrage in the state and photos of the temple have gone viral”, said Sakhardande.