New Delhi, June 15: A survey operation is on in Jaipur Fort to locate what is believed to be a hidden treasure lying in a secret chamber of the Maharaja’s place for 250 years.

The survey has been undertaken on the basis of an ancient document which came to light recently, and which spoke of a treasure worth about Rs. 100 crores including jewellery valued at Rs. 32 crores having been hidden underground in the fort. The document said it belonged to the then Maharaja Jaisinghji of Jaipur. The Union Minister of State for Revenue and Banking Mr. Pranab Mukerjee said to-day that since the document after examination by experts of the national archives appeared to be genuine it was considered worthwhile to undertake the search operation though “there is no certainty whether the reported treasure is still in existence”.

Mr. Mukerjee said it had been agreed with the owners of the Jaigarh fort that in the event of discovery of the treasure, it would be shared between the Government of India and them in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878. This Act has been made applicable to Rajasthan under a notification issued by the State Government.

He made it clear that the search was being carried out on the basis of an agreement with the owners of the fort.