India, Jan. 16 -- The Karnataka government on Friday launched a treasure hunt after discovering gold ornaments during the construction of a house in the historic village of Lakkundi, popular for its architectural heritage in the Gadag district.

The government decided to carry out a full-scale excavation on the premises of the Kote Veerabhadreshwara Temple in the village, news agency PTI reported.

The treasure hunt will be jointly executed by the department of tourism, the department of archaeology, museums and heritage, the Lakkundi heritage development authority and the district administration.

Authorities moved in JCBs, trucks and tractors for the excavation on the temple premises. A 10 metres by 10 metres area has reportedly been de...