Srirangam Island, at the confluence of the Kaveri and Kollidam Rivers in southeastern India’s state of Tamil Nadu, is home to a 2,000-year-old temple complex, major parts of which are still in use today, by ARCHAEOLOGY

Srirangam Island, at the confluence of the Kaveri and Kollidam Rivers in southeastern India’s state of Tamil Nadu, is home to a 2,000-year-old temple complex, major parts of which are still in use today. Hence this island is known as Temple Island of India.

However, much of the complex is found to be hidden or damaged.

Many older sections are buried under sediment as a result of centuries of flooding, and the complex was plundered in the fourteenth century by the Muslim general Ulugh Khan.

Recent excavations by geologists, at the site revealed what was presumed to have been lost. Researchers including geologist Mu Ramkumar of Periyar University have uncovered parts of the temple destroyed by Ulugh Khan and unearthed artifacts such as pendant lamps and statues of the deity Gopalakrishnan with his consorts.

Using geophysical surveying techniques, they have also identified the tomb of religious scholar and teacher, Sri Manavala Mamunigal. He restored the temple complex in the fifteenth century.

However the tomb was decided to remain unexcavated for religious reasons.

Image Source: Archaeology