Buried Treasure

Buried Treasure

FPJ BureauUpdated: Saturday, June 01, 2019, 07:24 AM IST
article-image

There is something about fabulous treasures which stir the imagination and take one back to the days of one’s childhood. Recently, news items related how the Kapurthala Crown Jewels were being sought amid a treasure hoard rivaling Alladin’s cave in the vaults of a bank in Paris. The claimants to the property of the late Maharaja went through what must indeed be one of the most astounding treasures existing today.

 These turned out to be seven suit-cases full of diamonds, sapphires, pearls and golden ornaments. Among the Crown Jewels was one of the world’s rarest and most perfect diamonds known as   ‘The Star of the East.’ They did not find it but in their search they came across a bizarre scene: In the boxes were diamond-studded watches, clocks of solid gold, a chess set in ivory and gold, massive silver trays, pearl necklaces and countless diamonds and rubies — treasures belonging to a bygone age.

Even in the modern world, searches go on for buried treasures though few are fortunate enough to find them. The latest to announce his intention to search for buried treasure is a Prince Yusuf Mirza, a grandson of King Wajid Ali Shah, who proposes to hunt for the treasure of the King of Avadh in several places in Lucknow. The Prince claims that he has in his possession a diary which indicates the possible positions of the treasure believed to have been buried long ago. A similar attempt made three years ago to unearth the hidden treasure failed.

During the 12 years since the end of the war, there have been many attempts to find the treasure some Nazi leaders had thought of taking out of the country. The treasure, many believe, now lies at the bottom of a lake. And though from time to time, adventurous men tried to find it, nothing has yet come to light.

(From An Easy Chair, November 2, 1957)

RECENT STORIES

Decentralisation Can Build Better Cities

Decentralisation Can Build Better Cities

Analysis: Elections Are The True Test Of Democracy

Analysis: Elections Are The True Test Of Democracy

Analysis: Crucial Questions About Navayuga And The EBs

Analysis: Crucial Questions About Navayuga And The EBs

Editorial: Too Few LS Tickets For Women

Editorial: Too Few LS Tickets For Women

From Mandir To Mandi

From Mandir To Mandi