What Does Hyderabad's Hussainsagar Lake Bed Holds?

Is there any treasure trove beneath the historic Hussainsagar lake in Hyderabad in Telangana state? Well, this speculation is now doing rounds among the people of the city in the backdrop of the Telangana government's decision to empty the Hussainsagar lake this summer.

The fact that the historic lake never dried up in the 453 years of its existence is giving rise to theories that several valuable items might show up when it is dried out.

A section of people suspect that there could be treasures hidden at the bottom of the lake bed and hence, the government should go cautiously in executing its plan to empty the lake.

Speculations about the presence a treasure trove in the lake are making rounds following reports that gold, silver and copper coins might be present in large numbers at the bed of the 32-feet deep lake, as it is tradition among Hindus to throw coins in river and lakes. 

The reports quoting unnamed government officials saying that large number of coins, motor vehicle spare parts, cycles, antique utensils dating back to 16th and 17th century and women's jewelry may also surface when the lake is dried out. The official felt that a Sonar test should be conducted before emptying the lake as it would give a better understanding of what was present at its bed.

Director in Archaeology department B Srinivas Rao says that an archaeological excavation cannot be conducted in Hussainsagar as there is no prima facie evidence of any artifacts being present in it.

'There is no inscription, documented proof or academic paper which says some treasures were stored in Hussainsagar lake. Any excavation needs to be conducted on the basis of scientific evidence and it is not possible to dig up the bed of the lake without any indication or evidence suggesting that we can find something,' Srinivas added.

Convener of INTACH Hyderabad chapter Anuradha Reddy says while it was possible that some old items may surface, possibility of chests of valuable items can be found in the lake, was very less. 'Given that Hussainsagar is huge lake and there is no possibility of finding anything dropped in the lake, it doesn't sound logical as to why someone would take such risk,' she says.

Sanjay Subodh, professor of Medieval Archaeology in University of Hyderabad, opined that stories about treasures being found in ancient temples and lakes make rounds need not be given any credence. But he feels that emptying the lake may help to understand its build and architecture better.