After watching Chhaava, a Bollywood film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a large number of villagers in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, rushed to the historic Asirgarh Fort, believing that Mughal-era gold coins were buried there. Inspired by the movie’s storyline, the villagers began an impromptu treasure hunt, digging through fields in search of hidden riches.
Equipped with shovels, strainers, and even metal detectors, hundreds of people gathered at the site, working late into the night. Using torches for visibility, the frantic search continued from 7 pm until 3 am. Some villagers were convinced that gold looted from the Marathas by the Mughals was still buried within the fort’s grounds. The excavation only stopped after police intervened and warned against unauthorized digging.
#Chhava movie showed that Mughals looted Gold and treasure from Marathas and kept it in the Asirgarh Fort, Burhanpur, MP.
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) March 7, 2025
After watching the movie, locals flocked to the spot with digging tools, metal detectors and bags to dig up the treasure and take it home.
My heart bleeds… pic.twitter.com/zUiGyMoQKh
A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread reactions. Many users expressed amusement and disbelief, while others referenced historical claims about hidden Mughal treasures. One user noted, “Chhaava movie showed that Mughals looted gold and treasure from Marathas and kept it in Asirgarh Fort, Burhanpur, MP.” Another joked, “They think Aurangzeb buried gold in this fort after defeating the Marathas.”
Asirgarh Fort, often called the “Key to the Deccan,” has a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Over the years, various legends have circulated about hidden treasures within its walls, particularly from Aurangzeb’s campaigns against the Marathas. While no evidence of buried gold has ever been found, the recent incident highlights how cinematic narratives can fuel age-old myths and spark widespread curiosity.
