Campus Times | Lucknow 

A sealed cabinet containing a collection of ancient gold coins at Lucknow Universitys Tagore Library has come under scrutiny after its seal was found broken, prompting the university administration to initiate an internal inquiry.

The cabinet, which had remained closed for years over security concerns, reportedly houses a collection of old coins kept in separate envelopes. Questions have now been raised over the safety and whereabouts of the coins, particularly as the register containing their inventory and valuation is also reportedly unavailable.

The issue came to the administrations notice after the university appointed a new honorary librarian. At the time of taking charge, the new librarian sought that the cabinet be opened and the collection formally verified.

Taking the matter seriously, the university constituted a six-member committee to examine the librarys assets. The panel has been tasked with checking the records and physical condition of items preserved in the library. However, around 15 days after its formation, the committee is yet to open the disputed cabinet.

Heritage collection under security lens

Lucknow Universitys library, established in 1941, houses several historically significant materials that were acquired over the decades following Independence. Its collection includes rare manuscripts, old documents, a replica of the original Constitution, and a copy of the Quran written in gold, among other archival materials.

The ancient coins form part of this heritage collection. Sources associated with the library said the coins were not part of any regular public display and were taken out only on select occasions, generally in the presence of a small group of officials.

The cabinet was eventually sealed as a precautionary measure and remained inaccessible for a prolonged period.

Cabinet shifted during renovation

The controversy surrounding the cabinet dates back to the librarys renovation in 2024. During the work, the cabinet was moved from Room No. 11 and placed near the cyber library.

Concerns arose after its seal was found to have been broken. The cabinet was subsequently shifted to Room No. 8, following which the room itself was sealed as a precautionary measure.

The issue has also revived earlier concerns. According to people familiar with the librarys history, questions about the possibility of missing coins have surfaced at different points over the past several decades. The cabinet was eventually sealed amid such concerns.

Missing register adds to the mystery

One of the key challenges before the inquiry panel is the absence of the original inventory register. The register is believed to contain details of the number of coins, their individual or collective valuation and other relevant records.

There is also speculation that the register may be inside the sealed cabinet itself. Until the cabinet is opened and the records are recovered, the university may not be able to establish the exact number of coins that were originally part of the collection.

Library sources said the collection includes coins made of different metals and varying sizes, with some reportedly ranging from roughly the size of a four-anna coin to considerably larger pieces.

No public display of the coins

Despite being part of the universitys heritage assets, the coins have reportedly never been put on permanent public display. Their restricted access has meant that only a limited number of people have had an opportunity to see the collection.

The coins were also not featured in the universitys first coffee-table book published around three years ago, even though several other notable objects preserved in the library were documented in the publication.

Cabinet to be opened under videography

Lucknow University Vice-Chancellor Prof. JP Saini said the broken seal raises the possibility of interference with the cabinet and that the matter is being examined through the constituted committee.

He said the cabinet would be opened strictly in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure and the entire process would be videographed. If the inquiry establishes any loss or damage to university property, appropriate legal action will follow.

Six-member panel conducting inquiry

The inquiry committee is headed by Dean, Arts, Prof. Arvind Mohan. Its members include Honorary Librarian Prof. Roli Mishra, Deputy Librarian Jyoti Mishra, Construction Superintendent Prof. Vineet Verma, Proctor Prof. Rakesh Dwivedi and Deputy Registrar Mahesh Chandra.

The committee is expected to establish the condition of the coin collection, verify available records and determine whether any university property is missing or has been tampered with.