Mughal era treasure recovered in Hyderabad

13 December, 2012

Gold ornaments, silver jewellery and artefacts of the time of Mughal emperors like Shahjahan and Akbar, and even more have been recovered during the demolition of an old house in Hyderabad.

THE HOUSE belonged to Satish Kumar, resident of Doodhbowli in old city area. The treasure was recovered in October by two workers and a contractor who shared it among themselves. But a task force has recovered the antiques after arresting them.

Anurag Sharma, police commissioner of Hyderabad told ANI, “About 1600 grams of gold have been recovered, as well as four kilograms of silver. Some of the coins and ornaments recovered belong to the Mughal era. According to the archaeological department, the value of the treasure is over 5 crore rupees.”

The labourers who found the treasure were unable to reap the benefits of their good fortune. They were apprehended when they tried to sell it in the open market. Five arrests have been made in the case while the treasure has been handed over to the government, as per the provisions of Indian Treasure Trove Act of 1878.

Experts say that the precious ornaments that were recovered from the old house were crafted sometime during the regime of Moghuls, Nizam Nawabs and others. These ornaments have a lot of archaeological and historical importance.

Mr. Kumar, the owner of the house gave the contract to demolish the house which he had inherited from his grandfather late Vishwanath. The labour contractor Mohammed Rafeeq and Mohammed Abdul Bari, while demolishing the house found the treasure hidden in a wall and they shared it and didn't disclose the secret.

But all this came into picture when one of them attempted to sell a piece of antique jewelry. And the task force then arrested Mohammed Rafeeq, 55, a labour contractor from Bahadurpura, Mohammed Abdul Bari, 58, a labour contractor from Misrigunj, Mohammed Muneer, 55, of Kishan Bagh, daily-wagers S Ramulu, 47, daily-wagers S Ramulu, 47 and Mallesh, 23, from Jiyaguda.