What was in the bundle that Kashiram risked his life for, and why was it so important to him?

The bundle Kashiram defended so fiercely did not contain treasure, as the thieves had assumed. As explained in Chapter 0, it simply held powdered sugar. Its immense value to Kashiram was not monetary but spiritual. A saint named Janakidas Baba had once advised him to carry sugar specifically to feed ants. Because this practice was initiated by a saint's guidance, the bundle became very dear to him. He was determined not to let it go, whatever the consequences, which is why he fought back so valiantly when the thieves attempted to steal it from him.