AURANGABAD: The downpour during September has resulted in rain water seeping into cave number 32 at the world-renowned Ellora Caves here for the first time ever, causing some damage to a painting.
The science branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has stepped in to control the damage. Some damage due to rain water seepage has also been reported in cave number 33 and other places at the world heritage site in the past few days following the incessant rains.
Known as ‘Indra Sabha’, cave 32 is a two-storey architectural marvel excavated in the ninth century. It is considered as the largest and finest of the Jain caves at the Ellora site.
ASI superintendent archaeologist (Aurangabad circle) Milan Kumar Chauley on Monday said no incidence of rain water seepage had ever been recorded at cave 32 in the past.
“Due to the heavy rains during the first half of September, there was profuse seepage in different caves at Ellora, causing damage to some of the paintings. At cave 32, our science branch has given support to the damaged and loose painting by using a special mechanical jack and waterproof foam sheet to remove the rain water,” he said.
Chauley said the seepage at cave 32 has been communicated to the ASI headquarters in New Delhi. “The ASI top brass is expected to undertake a joint survey of the Ellora Caves shortly by involving different experts. The visit will study the current geological status of the world heritage site for the purpose of preservation and conservation,” he added.
Khuldabad tehsil in Aurangabad district, where the Ellora Caves are located, has received an excess 240mm rain in September so far — 217% of the normal rainfall. The taluka has recorded 865mm rainfall during the current monsoon since June 1, which is 136% of the expected showers, official data shows.
Dating back from the 6th to 10th century, the Ellora Caves comprise 34 monasteries and temples excavated side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff. Besides being an architectural marvel, the heritage site also embodies the spirit of tolerance as it has sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism at one place.
