Archaeology dept starts desilting Koti Tirtha tank

Keri: The directorate of archaeology has initiated the desiltation of the sacred Koti Tirtha tank in Narve, Divar island.

This tank, a testimony of the historic Saptakoteshwar temple built during the period of Goa Kadamba rule, was lost on account of the Portuguese religious persecution. In 1654, the Portuguese authorities issued orders prohibiting residents from visiting the tank. Despite the bans, the local population continued to visit the site to perform traditional rites and ceremonies, which were later discouraged by more stringent restrictions.

Director of archaeology Nilesh Phaldesai said, “Presently, we have undertaken work of desiltation of the tank as it is full with debris and also the cleaning of carved hollows, which will be completed before the monsoon season.”

The rectangular shaped Koti Tirtha tank has been considered sacred in the past. On the walls, there are 108 carved hollows with mini gopuram-like structures which is ringed by laterite stone steps.

This archaeological site was found three decades ago when Prof Bal Vishnu Apte, under the Konkan Kashi Project, launched a cleanliness drive with the help of NSS students. In 2000, when the directorate of archives and archaeology took up the excavation task, the site’s rich carvings and workmanship was seen. The side walls of the tank have carved niches along the whole periphery, crowned with Kadamba-styled shikhara that were used to keep lamps during festive occasions.

Amey Kinjawadekar, a student of archaeology who visited the site recently, said, “In the periphery of the Koti Tirtha tank, there is a mount where pieces of tiles, porcelain, earthen artifacts of archaeological importance are found. Before undertaking any construction work, there is a need to relook on the mount. Historical evidences have indicated that the Kadambas constructed the Saptakoteshwar temple on Divar island. It was reconstructed by Madhavmantri, the administrator of Vijayanagar kingdom in the Konkan region.”

Chief minister Pramod Sawant announced the Grand Koti Tirtha Corridor in March this year.