<p>The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning a massive excavation at Hampi, a Unesco World Heritage site. The work, proposed near the Royal Enclosure, is said to be the largest in the last 10 years.</p>.<p>"The proposed excavation assumes significance since there are many monuments near the site. The findings may throw more light on the history of the Vijayanagar Empire," said C N Vasudevan, senior professor of archaeology, Kannada University, Hampi.</p>.<p>The excavation site is situated close to the palace, temples, Paan Supari Bazaar and Mahanavami Dibba. The remnants of a pipe network, indicating a water supply route, were found at this spot recently. Some sculptures and the remains of a temple pond were also found here years ago.</p>.<p>"In 1980, a few rare sculptures were unearthed in the vicinity of Paan Supari Bazaar," Vasudevan said.</p>.<p>P Kalimuttu, Deputy Superintendent, ASI, Hampi Circle, told DH that meetings were held in connection with the excavation and senior officials of the department have conducted a spot inspection. </p>.<p>"An oral approval has been granted for the proposed excavation. We are making the necessary preparations," he said.</p>
<p>The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning a massive excavation at Hampi, a Unesco World Heritage site. The work, proposed near the Royal Enclosure, is said to be the largest in the last 10 years.</p>.<p>"The proposed excavation assumes significance since there are many monuments near the site. The findings may throw more light on the history of the Vijayanagar Empire," said C N Vasudevan, senior professor of archaeology, Kannada University, Hampi.</p>.<p>The excavation site is situated close to the palace, temples, Paan Supari Bazaar and Mahanavami Dibba. The remnants of a pipe network, indicating a water supply route, were found at this spot recently. Some sculptures and the remains of a temple pond were also found here years ago.</p>.<p>"In 1980, a few rare sculptures were unearthed in the vicinity of Paan Supari Bazaar," Vasudevan said.</p>.<p>P Kalimuttu, Deputy Superintendent, ASI, Hampi Circle, told DH that meetings were held in connection with the excavation and senior officials of the department have conducted a spot inspection. </p>.<p>"An oral approval has been granted for the proposed excavation. We are making the necessary preparations," he said.</p>