Gold idols found in Tripura pond

http://www.newkerala.com/news2.php?action=fullnews&id=26473

Agartala: Two gold idols have been recovered from a pond in Tripura, triggering a debate among experts that Buddhism and Hinduism co-existed in the state in ancient times.

The idols were found by labourers Wednesday at Bishramganj in west Tripura, about 35 km from here. One of the idols is a nine-inch Buddha flanked by two dancing girls while the other is an eight-inch image of Vishnu in a standing position.

The idols are being kept at the local magistrate's office before officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) take possession of them for ascertaining details regarding age and history.

Local historians and archaeological experts say there might have been some relation between Buddhism and Hinduism in Tripura till the 13th century.

A huge number of Buddha and Hindu idols have been recovered from north and south Tripura districts. The ASI is taking steps to protect them as national treasures