'Chhaava' starts a gold rush: How Vicky Kaushal's blockbuster triggered a treasure hunt in this sleepy Madhya Pradesh village

Speculation of a hidden pot of treasure gained momentum after a JCB excavator engaged in constructing a national highway near a dargah unearthed soil that was subsequently dumped onto the farmland of a local resident, Haroon Sheikh. Shortly after, laborers allegedly discovered metal coins that appeared to be of historical significance. Some individuals even asserted that gold and silver coins from the Mughal period had surfaced. Word of the discovery quickly spread, drawing curious villagers from nearby areas who hoped to uncover hidden treasure.

The situation was further intensified by references to Burhanpur in Chhaava, which shed light on the city's rich Mughal past, including its association with a major military campaign led by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and an alleged «gold mine.»

Locals insist that coins are indeed being found, yet the authorities have not taken concrete steps to address the situation. Mohammad Wasim, a resident of the area, expressed his frustration, stating, «People are discovering coins, and the crowd keeps increasing every night. Outsiders from neighboring villages are pouring in, and many claim to have retrieved coins. The government and local administration are turning a blind eye. I personally informed the patwari, but no measures were taken. Even the sarpanch is aware of the developments.»

Historians confirm that Burhanpur was once a flourishing Mughal hub with an active mint that produced gold and silver coins. During periods of unrest, it was customary for people to conceal