PATNA: Archaeologists are baffled by the discovery of a pre-Mauryan period lion head made of stone from the dry bed of the Ganga at Collectorate Ghat here on Monday evening. This was made possible as the river has changed its course in recent years exposing its dry bed.

According to an expert, the one-and-half-foot stone artefact is similar to those of Greek sculpture.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) superintending archaeologist (Patna Circle) P K Mishra admitted that the lion head, in all likelihood, could symbolize the Mauryan royal palace structure. "Its hairstyle, eyes and moustache are similar to Greco art," he added.