Sambhal, December 26 The region’s historical interest was further enhanced on Thursday when authorities in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, discovered another old well around 200 meters from the contested Shahi Jama Masjid.

This finding follows days after an excavation in the adjacent Chandausi area revealed a stepwell and a tunnel, reigniting interest in the region’s history.

The recently discovered well was situated within a Hindu village in Sambhal Sadar, close to the Sarathal outpost. To make further excavation possible, the municipal crew is already clearing the site of earth.

Residents have named the well “Mrityu Koop,” a construction they say is referenced in ancient texts and is one of the 19 wells that Lord Brahma made.

“Until about 20 years ago, this well had water, and people used to bathe here before visiting the nearby Mrityunjay Mahadev temple for prayers,” said a local person.

Another local expressed appreciation for the government’s dedication to conserving cultural and historical artifacts and credited the site’s resurgence to the work of the Yogi Adityanath-led administration.

“People used to collect water from the well when we used to visit this place. We have personally seen this. However, many stopped utilizing it because of certain situations and apathy. However, we now sincerely thank the administration and the Yogi government for their efforts in reviving our history,” he added.

The well is mentioned in the Puranas, according to locals, and many remember it as a crucial component of ceremonies at the adjacent Harihar temple.

The remnants of an old Banke Bihari temple were previously discovered in the same neighborhood as this find. The current digs, according to historians and local elders, are revealing artifacts from a past time, underscoring the region’s historical and cultural significance.

Plans are in place to rehabilitate and protect the property, and excavation and beautification work is anticipated to continue.

Both locals and historians are excited about these findings, seeing them as an important step in bringing Sambhal’s rich history back to life.