Passing through the highway towards Mohanlalganj, a right hand cut calls for attention. It takes one to Hulas Khera – an archaeological site that is a testimony to the times when Lucknow residents worshipped Kartikeye, the Hindu god of war.

“Archaeologists established the presence of a civilization dating back to 1000 BC through extensive carbon dating. One of the most prized possessions unearthed from the site is a gold plaque of Lord Kartikeya , who was the son of Shiva and Parvati ,” said the site’s caretaker Santosh Singh. The plaque currently occupies a place of pride at Lucknow Zoo’s museum. Even as researchers credit archaeologists Rakesh Kumar Srivastava, Rakesh Tiwari and KK Singh for unearthing the hidden treasure, locals believe it was one of them who should be lauded for it. Village elders credit Baba Maniram, a temple priest, for the find.

Maniram's madhaiya (hut) is still there and his disciples live in it now. “He lived on a mound and used to fetch water from a nearby well. Once when someone dumped rubble on the site, he spotted pieces of broken idols, pottery and some silver coins. He later informed the authorities and the site was excavated,” said Ram Lakhan , a local resident.

Assistant archaeological officer Rajiv Kumar Trivedi said the excavation started in 1979 and continued till 1986. Findings from the site indicate that the civilization was at its peak between 200 BC and 200 AD.

“The civilization’s inhabitants used blackware, redware and black slipware utensils. Also, they also started using painted greyware over the period of time. While studying the evidence, we found that animal meat was an important part of their diet,” Trivedi added. The homes built during the period were constructed using pucca bricks and with a well laid-out drainage system outside.

Residents claimed that an idol of Kaleshwari Devi put up in a temple behind the archaeological site was also found in the rubble. According to anecdotal evidence, the idol is about the 100 years old. Despite the site’s historical significance, it has languished in view of lack of government attention. “Every year during monsoon, Hulas Khera are cut off from the rest of the city. Given government is working to promote religious tourism, I wonder why can't it get a road constructed to connect the site with the rest of the city,” said Krishna Gopal, a Mohanlalganj-based social activist.

