A survey by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has indicated the presence of two well-shaped reservoirs containing conductive and polarisable materials which could be gold or silver or any other alloy 5-20 metres deep under the fort of Raja Ram Bux Singh in Unnao in UP.
The Archeological Survey of India, which has started digging the site to explore the prophesied 1,000 tonnes of gold, said that it would at least take around two to three weeks to reach the reported level of deposit.
“We are not in a hurry. The site is not being dug because a seer has dreamt about the presence of gold, but because of its historic value as highlighted by the GSI. We might get antiquities of 19th or 17th century or of the Kushan era. For us any antiquity even if it’s made of mud is more valuable than the gold,” said an ASI official.
In its report submitted to the Union Culture Ministry, the GSI has not exactly reached to the conclusion on what type of metal could be present at the site, but it has recommended excavation.
“…however, this prominent non-magnetic anomalous zone (10-20 m wide occurring at 5-20 m depth) indicative of possible gold, silver and some alloys, etc, may be tested by excavation for further interest at the specified site,” said the GSI report about the site which is 3.5 km north of Chandrika Devi Dham (Buxar) Unnao on the left of river Ganga.
A 12-member GSI team led by SK Mishra, senior geophysicist with the organisation, had visited the site on October 3 and 4, 2013 who were asked to conduct an enquiry, including GPRS (Ground Penetrating Radar Survey). A senior official of the Culture Ministry said that on the basis of the GSI report, it was decided by the ASI to undertake excavations at the site to try to unearth and determine the nature of the reported deposits.
“It is also noteworthy to mention that this is reported to be an ancient settlement site which may have the potential of being an important archaeological location. The Superintendent Archeologist (lucknow Circle) was conveyed permission on October 10, 2013 to undertake the trial exploration/excavations by deputing a full team from his office,” said a statement from the Culture Ministry on Friday.
“Preparatory arrangements have been made by ASI lucknow Circle, including preliminary survey of the area, establishing camp office, removal of vegetation, etc.
On Friday, amid tight security, the 12-member team led by PK Mishra, Deputy Director, ASI, started the excavation work at the fort in Duandia Khera village.