Is There Any Interest in Searching for Hidden Treasure in India?
India, a land of rich history and cultural treasures, holds its own unique mysteries. From the tales of political betrayals in Murshidaabad to the enigmatic chambers in ancient temples, the country is a treasure trove of hidden wealth. One such intriguing journey took me to Murshidaabad, West Bengal, in 2018, where the history of Bengal's last independent ruler, Siraj-ud-Daulah, and his doomed aunt, Ghaseti Begum, loomed over the landscape.
Historical Betrayal: Ghaseti Begum's Treasures
During my visit, I heard tales of Ghaseti Begum, the aunt of Siraj-ud-Daulah, who was a prominent figure in the region during his rule. According to local history, Ghaseti Begum, alongside British leaders like Robert Clive and other notable figures such as Jagadish Seth and Mir Zafar, conspired to kill Siraj-ud-Daulah, his wife, and their infant daughter. However, the story takes a dark turn, revealing the betrayal among those involved. After the assassination was successful, Ghaseti Begum kept possession of the royal treasures and created a sealed chamber in the gardens of Motijheel Palace, her residence in Murshidaabad. This chamber was purportedly cursed to protect it from being looted by others.
Upon Robert Clive's ascendancy, the British attempted to access the chamber, using a cannon to crack the wall. Despite their efforts, they were unable to retrieve the treasures, which remain undiscovered to this day. Ghaseti Begum’s foresight in hiding the treasures has made her an enigmatic figure in Indian history.
The Padbhanabha Swamy Temple: A Vault of Treasure
Moving from Murshidaabad to the southern state of Kerala, another legendary temple of India, the Padbhanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, hides one of the world's most valuable secrets: a hidden treasure chamber worth over a trillion dollars. This temple, a symbol of immense historical and religious significance, is known for its extensive list of hidden wealth.
Historically, the treasures within the temple have been part of a long-standing tradition, with numerous rulers and adherents offering their possessions to the deity. Chief among these treasures are the six vaults or kallaras: A, B, C, D, E, and F, located inside the Sreekovil, the main shrine. Records indicate that these vaults contain gold and precious stones valued at several lakh crores of rupees. These vaults have been opened periodically for various reasons, including what appeared to be the NGO or judicial orders, as seen with Vault A in 2011.
The Mysterious Vault B
Vault B, however, remains the subject of much superstition. According to a report from The Hindu, Vault B was opened during a Supreme Court case, but the door was blocked by a thick metal door resembling a strongroom. The Varkala family, descendants of the former royal family of Travancore, now part of the modern state of Kerala, believe that opening this vault would bring death to them, much like a curse. Thus, the door remains unopened, and the contents of Vault B remain a mystery.
These hidden treasures serve as a testament to the rich history and culture of India, a country often overshadowed by its current status as one of the world's wealthiest nations in terms of human resources and cultural heritage. From the cursed chamber of Ghaseti Begum to the enigmatic vaults of the Padbhanabha Swamy Temple, India continues to captivate and intrigue those who dare to explore its hidden treasures.