A Life-Changing Lottery Win
In a stroke of extraordinary luck, B. Rathnakaran Pillai, a farmer from Kilimanoor, Kerala, won a ₹6 crore Christmas bumper lottery. Instead of indulging in luxury, he made a wise decision—he invested a portion of his winnings in 27 cents of fertile land near the Thirupalkadal Sri Krishna Swami Kshethram, an ancient temple. His goal was simple: to cultivate vegetables and continue his passion for farming.
The Astonishing Discovery
Little did Pillai know that his newly acquired land held secrets buried for over a century. While tilling the soil to plant tapioca, his shovel struck something hard beneath the surface. Upon further digging, he unearthed an earthen pot filled with 2,595 ancient copper coins, weighing 20.4 kg. These coins, despite their green patina from age, were identified as currency from the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore, dating back to the reigns of Sree Mulam Thirunal Rama Varma (1885-1924) and Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma (1924-1949).
A Glimpse into Kerala’s Royal Past
Before India adopted the rupee-paise system in 1949, the Travancore Maharajahs used a unique coinage system known as Fanam, meaning wealth in Malayalam. These coins were minted in silver, copper, and gold, with denominations such as Chuckrams and Cash. The pot discovered by Pillai contained Chuckrams and Cash, offering a rare glimpse into Kerala’s rich numismatic history.
Handing Over the Treasure
Recognizing the historical significance of his find, Pillai immediately informed the local police, who then involved officials from the State Archaeology Department. The coins were carefully examined and later handed over to the state authorities under the Kerala Treasure Trove Act of 1968. His remarkable discovery not only highlights the hidden treasures of Kerala’s past but also showcases his integrity and respect for history.
Pillai’s story is a testament to fate’s unpredictability—what began as a simple farming endeavor turned into an extraordinary journey through time. His tale continues to inspire many, proving that sometimes, fortune favors the humble in the most unexpected ways.