Ancient verses on the grave may hold the key to a centuries-old treasure mystery that remains unsolved
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — Amidst the ruins and whispers of history, Sambhal holds one of its greatest mysteries, one that has baffled locals and historians alike for centuries. A long-standing belief persists that the secret of a hidden treasure, possibly belonging to ancient bandits, is concealed in the verses etched on the grave of Tota-Maina. Despite extensive efforts over the years, the cryptic inscriptions continue to elude understanding, adding to the enigma of the region’s past.
The latest discovery of an ancient stepwell and the grave of Tota-Maina, both steeped in mystery, has ignited fresh speculation about the treasure said to be buried within the stairwell. Local lore holds that this treasure was amassed by thieves who once hid in the stepwell, but it is the grave of Tota-Maina, located nearby, that holds the key to unlocking the puzzle. The verses inscribed on the grave are believed to reveal crucial information about the treasure’s location, but despite many attempts, no one has been able to decipher them.
Sambhal, located in western Uttar Pradesh, has a rich and mythological history. The region was once the capital of the Rajput king Prithvi Raj Chauhan, and its storied past is etched in the landscapes and structures that dot the area. According to experts, the newly discovered stepwell in Sambhal was once used as a refuge by soldiers during the reign of Prithvi Raj Chauhan, who established his stronghold there. However, following the end of the Rajput period, the stepwell was overtaken by bandits and thieves who sought refuge there after looting the surrounding areas. Over time, this stepwell became known as the “Thieves’ Well.”
The discovery of this stepwell has renewed interest in the region’s hidden history, with many locals still hoping that the treasure buried within might one day be uncovered. The belief that the treasure is concealed within the stepwell is supported by the stories passed down through generations. These stories suggest that the thieves who used the stairwell to store their plundered riches within its depths, ensuring that the treasure would remain hidden for centuries.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding the stepwell is the grave of Tota-Maina, located a short distance away. The verses inscribed on the tombstone of Tota-Maina have baffled experts for years. Despite numerous attempts by language specialists and historians to translate them, the meaning remains elusive. The mysterious grave has also been subject to repeated vandalism by people eager to uncover the treasure, yet the inscriptions remain stubbornly unreadable.
Local legend has it that the grave of Tota-Maina was originally a tomb built for Vela, the daughter of Prithvi Raj Chauhan. However, when Muslim rulers came to power, the tomb was allegedly destroyed and repurposed as a grave for Tota-Maina. This alteration only adds to the grave’s mystique, as it is unclear who Tota-Maina was or why their grave was given such prominence.
The recent discoveries of the stepwell and the grave of Tota-Maina have sparked renewed interest in the people. Last week, District Magistrate (DM) Rajendra Pensia and Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Vishnoi, accompanied by a team of municipal and revenue officials, visited the site to inspect the stepwell and the grave. Following the inspection, the DM announced plans for the conservation and renovation of both the stepwell and the grave to preserve their historical significance and protect them from further damage.
Speaking to the press after the inspection, DM Pensia emphasised the importance of safeguarding these sites. “These sites hold immense historical and cultural value,” he said. “It is crucial that we take necessary steps to protect them for future generations. We will ensure that both the stepwell and the grave are properly conserved and preserved.”
Despite official efforts to protect and preserve the stepwell and grave, the mystery of the treasure hidden within the stepwell remains unsolved. Locals continue to believe that the treasure is still buried somewhere within the depths of the Thieves’ Well, waiting to be uncovered. However, with the inscriptions on the grave of Tota-Maina still unreadable, many are left wondering if the secret to finding the treasure is hidden in plain sight or if it will remain an unsolved puzzle.
As experts continue to study the mysterious verses and search for clues that might lead to the treasure, the people of Sambhal remain captivated by the allure of the hidden riches. For now, the mystery of the treasure of Tota-Maina continues to captivate the imagination of all who hear its tale, as the centuries-old enigma shows no sign of being solved anytime soon.
In the heart of Sambhal, amidst the ancient ruins and forgotten graves, the legend of Tota-Maina and the hidden treasure endures, waiting to be uncovered by those brave enough to decipher the secrets of the past. Until then, the treasure remains buried, its exact location known only to the whispers of time.
