Treasure Trove Discovery: Women Workers Unearth Precious Jewels and Coins in Kerala

A group of women laborers discovered a container filled with precious jewels and old coins while digging a rainwater harvesting pit in Chengalayi, Kerala. Initially mistaking the container for a bomb or black magic, they found it to contain valuable artifacts. The items have been handed over to the police and local court for further examination.

At first, they thought it was a bomb and kept a safe distance. Then they feared it might be 'koodothram' (black magic).

However, a group of women laborers never imagined that they would unearth a 'treasure trove,' which they opened after gathering much courage.

This surprising discovery occurred when daily wage workers dug up a rainwater harvesting pit at a private rubber plantation in Chengalayi, Kerala, on Thursday.

The container they stumbled upon was filled with precious jewels and old coins, considered of significant value.

While its exact value and antiquity will be determined after a detailed examination by the archaeology department, locals view it as an invaluable treasure trove.

Upon being informed of the discovery, police rushed to the spot, collecting the 'treasure' on Thursday.

The jewels and coins were later presented in a local court.

As Saturday's headlines broke the news, the women workers revealed they had never imagined finding priceless jewelry or coins inside the container.

'We saw something glittering inside the pit...it was an old container. We first thought it was a bomb. Then we suspected it might be black magic,' one of the women said.

However, to their surprise, gold and silver coins, precious beads, and 'pathakka' (lockets) emerged from the container, she added.

A police official who conducted further inspection on Saturday confirmed that all the unearthed items were presented to the court.

'We have already informed the Archaeological department about the discovery. It is up to them to carry out more searches in the area. Their examination will reveal the antiquity of the discovered articles,' he stated.

Local sources also indicated that three more silver coins and a gold bead were found on the same property Saturday morning.

(With inputs from agencies.)