What was the story behind Kashiram's fight with thieves, and what was he protecting so fiercely?

Kashiram was attacked by a group of thieves who were after a small bundle he carried. The source material from Chapter 0 clarifies that the thieves mistakenly thought the bundle held treasure. In reality, it contained only powdered sugar, which Kashiram carried to feed ants as advised by a saint named Janakidas Baba. This bundle was very dear to him, and he was determined not to let it go. During the ensuing struggle, Kashiram managed to pick up a dropped sword and kill two of the thieves before a third struck him on the head with an axe. Though left for dead, he miraculously survived, later recovering in Shirdi by Sai Baba's grace.