World News Today

Sunday, July 3, 2011, Malayala Manorama.

Thiruvananthapuram: Even as priceless treasures found from cellars of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple here is estimated to be around Rs 90,000 crore, the discovery has sparked a debate on how to protect and preserve the royal legacy which has surpassed everyone's imagination.

Opening of the long-locked chambers, on Supreme Court orders, which began on June 27 has so far revealed a large number of gold ornaments, gold and silver coins, stone studded crowns, idols and figurines inlaid with precious stones and jewels

According to the temple sources, the treasure trove has been so far estimated at around Rs 90,000 crore. The question nagging historians, academics and enthusiasts of temple culture, however, is how to safeguard the treasure considering its immense historical and cultural values.

Narayanan, former Indian History Congress president said utmost care and thought should be given to protect the treasures. "The state or Central government cannot take over these assets as they are part of the temple coffers according to the system followed by the Travancore kings," he said. READ...

By IND Web Design