Following the release of Vicky Kaushal’s film Chhaava, locals in Burhanpur have started digging for gold, fueled by historical references and recent coin discoveries.
March 8, 2025: Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh: Gold Rush in Burhanpur: How ‘Chhaava’ Sparked a Treasure Hunt Frenzy
Lights, Metal Detectors, and Midnight Digs—How Rumors of Hidden Treasure Took Over Asirgarh Fort
A scene from Vicky Kaushal’s latest film Chhaava has triggered a real-life gold hunt in the historical city of Burhanpur, as locals armed with torches, metal detectors, and makeshift digging tools flocked to Asirgarh Fort in search of hidden treasure.
The historical drama, which explores the Mughal era and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s military campaign, referred to Burhanpur as a “gold mine.” This cinematic mention, coupled with recent discoveries of ancient-looking coins during a highway construction project, has led to an unprecedented treasure frenzy in the area.
How the Gold Hunt Began
The rumors started when a JCB machine, working on a national highway near a dargah, dumped soil onto the land of a local villager, Haroon Sheikh. Soon, laborers reportedly found metal coins, with some claiming to have discovered gold and silver Mughal-era coins. Word spread fast, attracting hundreds of people from nearby villages, eager to dig for their share of fortune.
The situation escalated after the release of Chhaava, which highlighted Burhanpur’s historical significance and its past wealth.
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Locals Demand Action
Residents claim that coins are indeed being found, but the authorities have not taken significant action.
“People from other villages are coming every night. Many claim to have found coins. I informed the patwari (local revenue officer), but nothing happened. Even the sarpanch knows about this, yet no steps have been taken,” said local resident Mohammad Wasim.
The Historical Perspective
Historians affirm that Burhanpur was a major Mughal city, home to a royal mint that produced gold and silver coins. During times of war and unrest, wealthy citizens often buried their treasures underground for safekeeping.
“It is true that such coins have been found in Asirgarh before,” said Shalikram Chaudhary, District Archaeological Member. “The administration should take this seriously, conduct scientific explorations, and protect any historical treasures discovered.”
Authorities Step In
The Congress party has urged the administration to step in before the situation spirals out of control. In response, the Burhanpur Superintendent of Police, Devendra Patidar, assured that unauthorized digging would be prohibited, and legal action will be taken if necessary.
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