Keri: Residents of Akhada island in Tiswadi taluka recently found pieces of laterite bricks and other artefacts that could bring to light unknown facets of the island’s history. Akhada island is located a few metres away from the Hindu pilgrimage centre of Porne Tirth and the Hatkeshwar temple on Dipavati island, now known as Divar.During an excavation carried out to build an embankment near a small hillock close to the govt primary school, locals came across bricks and earthen pots, indicating the possible existence of an archaeological structure. However, the archaeology department is yet to verify the villagers’ claims.Director of archaeology Nilesh Phaldesai said he would have to examine the new finds on the island and assess their importance.Sairaj Tari, a fine arts school teacher from the island, told TOI that they found burnt pieces of laterite bricks, likely used in the structure, along with fragments of earthen pots.He added that they also found an elongated stone with unusual carvings and a linga-like stone.Rajendra Phadte, a local resident, said village elders refer to the area as “Ghumat”, meaning dome, where the laterite bricks were found, and said the site was protected.Another local, Ramanand Tari, said that a historian, the late Bal Apte, during his visit to the island about a century ago, had told them that the area had a rich history and was called “Akshay Tirtha”.
