What else was found in the Bahara Bhandar?A lot of fabric and clothing of the deities was found. There was a heavy iron chest with 15-20 locks at different sides apart from the main lock. It had a strong internal locking system with one control key system. It was probably not opened for ages. When this chest was opened, we found clothes and chandua (applique) which appeared to be hundreds of years old. But, none of the fabric had lost its quality and colour. They were carefully taken out and packed before being stored in the strongroom.During the last attempt in 2018, the Bhitara Bhandar could not be opened as officials could not locate the keys. This time, your team entered the inner chamber by cutting the locks. How was the experience?After completing the shifting process in Bahara Bhandar which went on for three hours, we attempted to enter the Bhitara Bhandar. There were three very old locks on the gate and one was sealed. The three iron locks and two iron keys were in good condition and there was no sign of rusting. As per the government’s SOP, the keys were brought in from the treasury in a sealed envelope.On opening the envelope, we found a set of documents and two iron keys. However, as none of the keys could open the three locks, we had to get them broken open as per the SOP. We entered the Bhitara Bhandar with just a clay lamp and offered our prayers to the idols of small deities that were present in the chamber.How did you find the Bhitara Bhandar?Its walls are lined with steel and wooden almirahs and wooden chests. Besides, big boxes were kept on the floor. We do not know the content of the boxes yet. There were broken stones and iron beam lying on the ground. We stayed there for 30 minutes and the entire structure and storage units were videographed. All the contents will be shifted to the temporary strongroom.
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