KANNUR: Workers of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme unearthed what appeared to be a cache of historical artifacts resembling ‘treasure’ in a rubber plantation near Parippayi Government LP School in Chengalayi, Kannur district. The ‘treasure’ was discovered during the digging of a rainwater harvesting pit on Thursday evening.
Initially mistaking the container for a bomb, the workers discarded it. Upon impact, the container burst open, revealing gold and silver coins. Inside, there were 17 pearl beads, 13 gold medallions, four medallions believed to be part of a traditional ornament called Kashi Mala, a set of earrings, rings, and silver coins.
Aayisha, the first to discover the box, recounted, “While digging the pit, I noticed an old box and placed it nearby. Later, someone discarded it, fearing it was a bomb or involved in black magic.” Another worker, Sulochana, added, “We found shining objects near the box and upon further investigation, discovered gold coins and medallions. Realising it was genuine gold, we immediately informed the panchayat authorities, who instructed us to leave the box untouched.”
Meanwhile, Sreekandapuram police informed The New Indian Express that they have forwarded an official letter to the state archaeological department to take over the treasure. Upon their instruction, the ‘treasure’ was produced before the Taliparambha RDO court.
Meanwhile, three more silver coins and some beads were found from the same spot on Saturday morning as well. Chengalayi panchayat president V P Mohanan told TNIE that the coins found on Saturday must have fallen from the box that was unearthed on Thursday.
‘Treasure’ from late 18th century?
Archaeological experts suggest that the treasure, estimated to be around 200 years old, likely dates back to the late 18th century based on coin markings and structure.
“Some coins resemble Puducherry Indo-French coins, while others are likely from the era of Ali Raja of the Chirakkal Dynasty. There is no doubt in the authenticity of the findings,” said K Krishnaraj from the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, Kozhikode.