She begged for a living in India. After her death, bags revealed Rs840,000

A 69-year-old woman who spent her days begging on city streets left behind an unexpected legacy: savings worth Rs840,000, accumulated over the years largely from the small change handed to her by passers-by.

Noor, a resident of Sabdariyabad Mohalla on Guttalu Road in Mandya, Karnataka, lived alone in her own house and was a familiar sight begging along roads and at traffic intersections in the city, The Times of India reported.

What few apparently knew was that she had been carefully saving the money she received.

Bags filled with years of savings

Over the years, Noor collected the coins given to her and brought them home, storing them in bags. She also deposited some of her earnings in a bank account.

Noor died on Wednesday following age-related ailments. Her relatives, with the help of local residents, subsequently performed her last rites.

It was only later, when the bags kept inside her house were opened and the coins counted, that the extent of her savings became apparent.

When the cash and coins were added to the balance in her bank account, Noor’s accumulated savings amounted to Rs840,000.

A fortune built coin by coin

The discovery offered a striking glimpse into the life of a woman who had depended on the generosity of strangers but had quietly managed to put away a substantial sum.

The money represented years of small contributions — coins collected on streets and at traffic signals and carefully saved rather than spent.

Police said Noor had died of natural causes and that no case had been registered.