Treasure trove dug out at village pond

Thanjavur: An ancient copper urn and a treasure trove were unearthed by workers engaged in desilting a village pond near Amma­pettai. A group of 10 workers, led by panchayat president Manickam, was busy desilting the pond located on a field owned by Kirubanandam at Thirubuvanam Tho­ppu street near Amma­pettai on Saturday.

One of the workers, Krishnasamy stumbled upon the ancient copper burial urn. When he dug further, he unearthed a treasure trove which included one set of ear-studs, two sets of girdle-like ornament (oddiyanam) worn by women, a gold chain and two gold coins, all weighing 7.3 sovereigns (59 grams).

Krishnasamy took the treasure trove to his house much to the chagrin of the other workers. On being informed, revenue and police officials from Papanasam rushed to his house and seized the treasure trove.

They took it to the Papanasam taluk office. Later, the copper urn and gold ornaments were handed over to officials of the state archaeology department for further examination. The age of the copper urn and the gold ornaments is yet to be ascertained, sources said. Revenue officials have also ordered locals not to undertake any more work at the spot.