Temple treasure worth Rs50,000cr | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Temple treasure worth Rs50,000cr

Hindustan Times | By, Th'puram
Jul 02, 2011 01:39 AM IST

With the conclusion of the Supreme Court-appointed expert panel’s five-day treasure hunt, the Padmanabhaswamy temple — given prominence by the Travancore royal family in the 16th Century — has turned out to be one of the richest shrines in the country.

With the conclusion of the Supreme Court-appointed expert panel’s five-day treasure hunt, the Padmanabhaswamy temple — given prominence by the Travancore royal family in the 16th Century — has turned out to be one of the richest shrines in the country.

HT Image
HT Image

When the second secret chamber, last opened 136 years ago, was accessed on Friday, the seven-member panel found valuables worth RS15,000 crore, taking the total recovery to Rs50,000 crore, sources said. This amount could finance the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme for a year.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

New finds include Kashi pearl necklaces, five sacks of gold coins, jewels, diamond-studded plates, rubies and emeralds. Metal lamps and gold coins of different eras were also recovered.

If a necklace found on Thursday was 18 feet long, Friday’s treasure hunt yielded 536 kg of 18th century gold coins and about 20 kilos of British East India Company’s gold coins.

Some experts have, however, questioned the valuation of the treasure.

“I don't know how people value such objects. Antique value can’t be fixed overnight,” said Kerala Council for Historical Research director PJ Cherian.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On