The women were digging rainwater harvesting pits when they chanced upon the chest. They initially thought it was a crude bomb.
Published Jul 13, 2024 | 6:13 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 14, 2024 | 2:51 PM
The chest contained gold-like beads, lockets, medallions, rings, earrings and silver-like coins. (Supplied)
It was an ordinary Thursday morning for a group of women working under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the Parippai ward of Chengalayi grama panchayath in Kannur.
As the sun rose on 11 July, they set out to dig rainwater harvesting pits on private property, unaware that their day was about to turn extraordinary.
Little did they know that their shovels were about to unearth more than just dirt.
One of the members of the group remembered a clang that echoed when they were digging the pit. On closer inspection, they found a mud-covered suspicious-looking brass-like chest. According to her, there was a mix of excitement and concern.
The container along with its contents. (Supplied)
“After all, in our area, you never knew what lurked within these dusty containers — treasure or trouble? Indicating the incidents where such containers, whether brass, steel or even plastic, were often made to explode,” the woman told South First.
“Visions of explosions danced in our heads, quickly followed by images of missing limbs and hefty medical bills. No, thank you very much! Dismissing the find as a potential hazard, we tossed the chest aside,” she recalled.
As the day drew to a close and the workers were leaving, one of the women realised that she had forgotten her umbrella at the worksite. She returned to retrieve it, and to her surprise, she spotted the chest again, partially covered in dirt.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she called her companions back to the spot.
Determined to unveil the mystery and with child-like enthusiasm, the women carefully cleared the earth off the chest, their hands trembling with anticipation. It took some effort, but they managed to pry it open.
What they saw next left them speechless: A potful of what looked like silver and gold, glinting softly in the fading daylight!
The women were said to have found gold-like beads, lockets, medallions, rings, earrings and silver-like coins.
Overwhelmed by their discovery, the women immediately alerted the local panchayat member, who in turn, alerted the police.
The police collected the “treasure” and produced the jewels and coins before a local court.
News of the treasure spread quickly through the locality, leaving the entire village buzzing with excitement and speculation.
Talking to South First, Parippai ward member Ushakumari KV said the unexpected find has brought a sense of wonder and people are flocking to the area.
“They are eager to catch a glimpse of the place of the treasure. Each person is curious about the story behind the chest and its glittering contents,” said her.
Recounting the day, Ushakumari said, “They told me that they thought that it was a crude bomb and threw it away. But by evening, it seemed their fear gave way to curiosity and they opened it. The chest looks like an antique piece and its contents seem something of historic importance. But let the authorities concerned confirm it.”
When asked if the area is of historical importance or if any similar findings were reported from the area earlier, the ward member replied in the negative.
At the same time, confusion prevailed in Parippai as reports emerged on 13 July morning that additional invaluable had been spotted in the same area where the chest was discovered.
Rumours swirled, suggesting another hidden treasure might be lurking beneath the soil. Many thought digging the land would be a good idea.
However, Ushakumari clarified that these items were not from a new find. Instead, they were pieces that had fallen from the chest when the women initially tried to open it.
According to Archaeology Director, E Dinesan, the first step for the department officials will be to thoroughly examine the site where the chest was discovered and analyse the materials found in it.
Only after this detailed examination can they provide insights into the specialities and historical significance of the artefacts, he told South First.
The director emphasised that a comprehensive report will be prepared and submitted to the district collector by the officials.
He also mentioned that if the site is deemed to be of significant historical importance, the department may take charge of the land, following the guidelines set by the Kerala Treasure Trove Act, 1968.
When enquired about potential compensation for the property owner or the women who discovered the treasure, the director clarified that the district collector, in consultation with a report from the revenue department, would make the final decision on such matters.
(Edited by Majnu Babu)
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