[BITList] More on 'Billions worth' of treasure found in Indian temple

[John Feltham]

>From another List...


This is the biggest discovery of a treasure trove in an Indian temple and
according to the latest figures, the actual value of the riches might come
to Rs 900 billion or more. In fact, according to experts, if the antique
value of these items are taken into account the value should go much higher.

But this is not a discovery per se. It was well known the temple had a big
treasure chest underneath and part of it had been opened on occasions for
the keeping of the usual items for decoration of the deity- a Vishnu idol in
the reclining posture- while some of the more secret rooms were being opened
for the first time in recent memory.

The examination of the secret chambers was launched as per a Supreme Court
order six days ago and today being Sunday, there is no search there. There
are two more, considered most important, chambers still to be opened.

Since the Government and Court representatives are not authorized to speak
to the media, the present information available are based on the hints from
those involved in the searches. From the local new reports, it appears there
are quite big hoards of European gold cons, assessed to be in tonnes, that
date back to the Portuguese period in Malabar, besides Dutch and English
gold coins.

Much of the deity's jewelry are older and an old historical document of the
Travancore royalty (who administered the temple) known as Mathilakam Papers,
give an account of the items kept in the temple.