Ranchi: A 45 cm tall ancient statue, similar to the ones found at the Konark Sun temple and Khajurao, has been found by the Archaeological Survey of India from Benisagar in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, indicating existence of yet another undiscovered temple.

"We stumbled on the erotic figure during a scientific clearance work by the Ranchi circle of ASI recently, Superintendent Archaeologist, T J Baidya, said here.

The statue, which could date back to the 12th century, was found at the Benisagar, which is close to the Orissa border, he said.

Stating that the Benisagar tank named after local legendary ruler Benu Raja, the official said, the sculpture could be a part of a temple believed to have existed here, "but is yet to be discovered".

The figure, standing in an erotic pose, was 45 cm in height and 30 cm wide at the base, Baidya said, adding that it was similar to ones found at Konark and Khajurao.

The ASI also found a terracotta seal depicting a seated lion.

Source : PTI