Context:
After 54 years, sealed treasure chambers (toshkhana) of Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh were opened under supervision of a Supreme Court-appointed panel. However, the rare jewels reportedly donated in 1971 were not found, raising questions over treasure security and heritage management.
Key Highlights / Details:
- Opening done for the first time since 1970, with videography for transparency.
- Recovered items: One gold bar, three silver bars, gemstones, historical ornaments.
- Missing jewels: Precious ornaments donated in 1971 by a royal family, believed to be untraceable.
- Recovered treasure includes:
- A peacock-shaped emerald necklace
- Antique silver sheshnaag
- Vintage ornaments from royalty of Bharatpur, Karauli, Jhalawar
- Ancient items dating to 19th century.
- Officials claim “some items are missing”, raising suspicion over temple treasury management.
- Sealed rooms had not been opened earlier due to administrative disputes and security concerns.
- Investigation initiated to trace accountability for missing heritage assets.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Banke Bihari Temple – built in 1864, important Vaishnavite shrine in Vrindavan.
- Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 – regulates export/possession of antiquities.
- ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) – protects monuments and heritage under AMASR Act, 1958.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Issues of heritage asset mismanagement and lack of digitized temple inventories.
- Cultural heritage protection vs religious institutional autonomy.
- Need for audit systems in temple trusts and endowments.