Puri, May 17: Archaeological survey of India (ASI) has begun studies on the lion statue, recovered near the Emar Mutt in Puri from the trench on April 29.

A team led by  ASI Superintendent Arun Mallick analysed the architect, species of the rock and the quality of artefact from different angles.

During the study, Mallick said that the statue is expected to be a belongings of the Ganga era. However, it will be revealed after it is tested in the archaeological laboratory, he added.

Worth Mentioning, the rock-lion was found from a deep excavation undertaken under the aegis of  the Srimandir Parikrama project initiated by the Odisha government. Following which, deep excavation in the shrine was questioned by the elites across the state.