The historic Asirgarh Fort in Madhya Pradesh’s Burhanpur district has become the center of an unexpected frenzy as rumors of buried Mughal-era gold sparked a massive treasure hunt. Inspired by scenes from the recently released film Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, hundreds of people descended upon the fields near the fort in the dead of night, armed with torches, shovels, and metal detectors, hoping to uncover hidden riches. The excitement escalated after whispers spread through local villages that gold coins had already been discovered by some early diggers.
Multiple videos of the chaotic scene have since gone viral on social media, showing eager treasure seekers, many of whom were seen digging feverishly in the darkness while others scoured the ground with makeshift tools. Some individuals were even seen discussing strategies to locate the supposed treasure, with one video capturing a man claiming that a “reliable source” had tipped him off about the buried wealth. Despite the lack of official confirmation, the rumors have fueled a growing crowd of fortune hunters, drawn by the possibility of finding centuries-old gold and artifacts.
According to local residents, the excitement began after Chhaava depicted the fort in a significant way, reigniting old legends about hidden Mughal treasure buried beneath the land. The Asirgarh Fort, known for its historical significance, has long been associated with tales of hidden riches. Many believe that during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, valuable treasures were either hidden or lost within the fort's vicinity. This belief was further reinforced by the film’s portrayal of key historical events, leading some people to interpret it as a subtle clue about the treasure’s actual location.
“Asirgarh is buzzing with treasure hunters. Gold coins are being found in Haroon Sheikh’s field,” said Wasim Khan, a local resident, adding, “People are gathering in huge numbers, and the digging has been on for days.” He further claimed that some people had reportedly sold a few coins in nearby markets, fueling further speculation. The possibility of discovering hidden wealth has attracted not only villagers but also people from nearby towns who arrived with metal detectors, hoping to get lucky.
However, the sudden influx of people has caused frustration among local landowners, whose fields have been disturbed by the relentless excavation efforts. Many farmers are now worried about the damage to their crops, as unauthorized digging continues despite the absence of concrete evidence supporting the presence of treasure. "This is our land, and these people have no right to dig it up just because they heard a rumor," said one agitated farmer, who expressed concerns about the long-term damage to his fields.
Authorities, however, remain skeptical about the entire situation. Burhanpur SP Devendra Patidar acknowledged the reports but warned people against engaging in illegal excavation. “We are aware of the situation and are investigating. If anyone is caught digging illegally, strict action will be taken,” he stated. Officials have also urged people not to believe in baseless rumors and to respect private property.
By the time the police arrived at the site on Thursday, the crowd had mysteriously vanished, leaving behind only freshly dug pits, discarded tools, and no trace of any discovered treasure. Officials suspect that the rumors were fueled by a mix of social media speculation and cinematic influence rather than any historical or archaeological evidence. “We have seen such incidents in the past as well, where a film or a social media post sparks mass hysteria. This seems to be a similar case,” said a senior police officer.
Chhaava, produced by Dinesh Vijan, features Vicky Kaushal in the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, alongside Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb. The film, which explores the struggles and battles of Sambhaji Maharaj, has captivated audiences with its historical narrative. However, its unexpected real-world impact in Burhanpur has added an unusual twist to its legacy.
As the authorities continue their probe into the matter, the incident serves as a reminder of how cinema can sometimes blur the lines between fiction and reality, igniting widespread belief in myths and legends that may have otherwise remained dormant. While the search for treasure at Asirgarh continues in hushed whispers, the authorities have urged people not to get carried away by fictionalized portrayals and to avoid engaging in unlawful activities. Meanwhile, locals remain hopeful, with some still believing that the Mughal-era treasure is waiting to be unearthed, hidden beneath layers of history.
