Kerala: Hi-tech tools being used to evaluate temple treasure

Thiruvananthapuram: The process of evaluating the treasures of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala continues. Priceless treasures found inside the vaults of the temple had attracted global attention last year. Raging debates had followed on where the wealth had come from and how it would be used.

The head of the expert committee evaluating the treasure told CNN-IBN that the best people and equipment have been brought in the task.

Chairman, SC committee, eminent conservationist Dr MV Nair said, "Keltron is coordinating this work. The Kerala government gave them an advance of Rs 2.5 crores to purchase equipments. We have selected people to operate and given them training."

The contents of one vault has been evaluated, those of four other opened vaults is pending.

The team is using high-end gadgets which include a Karatmeter, a tool that quickly accurately measures precious metals and jewellery.

A software has been installed to ensure that there is room for manual error or manipulation. State of the art equipment and 3D Cameras are also being employed.

And most importantly, the entire workforce has had to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

The process is time-consuming. Only 20 objects can be documented per day. The contents of one vault has been evaluated, those of four other opened vaults is pending. But what about the mysterious vault B?

"The Supreme Court has asked us to recommend whether it should be opened or not," Nair said.

Experts say the mammoth scientific documentation going on inside the walls of this temple is not only unique with any precedence in the entire country but also meets international standards. The entire task force is working round the clock to complete the inventory process in a year's time as stipulated by the Supreme Court of India.

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