Unexpectedly, inside the jar were 505 round objects made of gold.

Workers discovered a sealed metal jar buried about 2.4 m deep while clearing a wasteland for gardening in the Jambukeswarar temple complex , Tamil Nadu state, Ancient Origins reported on March 5. They informed temple managers, police and local authorities.

The ancient jar containing hundreds of gold coins was dug up from the ground. (Photo: Ancient Origins).

When opening the jar, authorities found a total of 505 gold coins, weighing 1,716 grams, mostly small coins, except for one large coin. Realizing they were very old, the police contacted archaeologists. Initial research shows that these coins are inscribed with Arabic characters and may have been produced between 1000 and 1200.

The history of the temple may provide some clues as to the origin of the pot of gold coins. According to experts, Jambukeswarar temple was built 1,800 years ago, during the Chola dynasty. The Chola dynasty was good at trade and had wide relationships with merchants, not only in Southeast Asia but also in the Indian Ocean region.

Most likely, the 505 gold coins originated from Arab merchants who came here. Later, the royal family or wealthy merchants donated it to Jambukeswarar temple. It is said that the temple received many donations including silver statues, gold ornaments and real estate.

Jambukeswarar temple is very famous. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main deities in the Hindu pantheon.

Jambukeswarar temple complex in Tamil Nadu state, India. (Photo: ANI).

The temple is located on Srirangam island, also known as “temple island in India” because of its concentration of many religious sites, attracting a large number of pilgrims, including the equally sacred Ranganatha Swamy temple.

In the remaining history books, Jambukeswarar temple has received many donations including many valuable items in gold and silver. This temple is watched by many people and has been invaded and attacked because it holds many valuable objects.

In the 14th century, general Ulugh Khan looted the temple. Perhaps the ancients buried the jar of gold coins to protect it from attackers. After that, they could not get the jar back because they forgot where it was buried or died.

The ancient jar and gold coins are being preserved in storage for further research. Experts will find out exactly what historical period and culture they belong to. It is unclear whether they will be put on display or returned to the temple.