Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh: Inspired by the Bollywood film Chhaava, which portrays the life of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a large group of villagers in Burhanpur rushed to the historic Asirgarh Fort, believing that Mughal-era gold coins were buried there.
The film, which highlights the Marathas’ struggle against the Mughal empire, reignited local legends suggesting that Emperor Aurangzeb’s forces had hidden treasures at the fort after clashes with the Marathas. The Asirgarh Fort, a strategically significant stronghold in history, has long been associated with myths of buried riches.
Following the movie’s release, hundreds of villagers gathered at the fort around 7 PM, armed with shovels, metal detectors, and torches, determined to uncover the supposed treasure. Their efforts continued late into the night, with the excavation lasting until 3 AM, reported the Times of India.
The large-scale digging soon drew police intervention, as authorities warned residents against unauthorized excavation. Videos of the incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing a mix of amusement and criticism from netizens.
One user commented, “They believe Aurangzeb actually buried gold here after defeating the Marathas,” while another questioned how a film could trigger such a frenzy.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about the impact of historical films on public perception, with some calling for greater responsibility in storytelling. Despite the villagers’ determined efforts, no treasure has been found at Asirgarh Fort, leaving the legend unverified.
