Ellora Caves - The Glory Of Rashtrakootas - English
Ellora is a magnificent set of rock cut caves and also known as cave temples represented by elaborate carvings of gods and goddesses and are the devotional products of three religious faiths viz Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The ensemble of 34 caves cut out in the Deccan basalt are lying in a north-south direction for a distance of about 2 km situated at 30 km from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Caves 1 to 12 display Buddhism, 13 to 29 are of Brahminical origin and 30 to 34 exhibit Jainism. Cave 16, which is also known as the `Kailash' is a marvel of cave excavations and displays rock cut architecture at its best. Approximately 0.3 million cubic feet of rock has been excavated to carve out this exquisite cave temple. The ancient rock cut temples are our national heritage and since it is a world heritage monument it is also the pride possession of the mankind but the site is beset with many geological and environment problems.
The natural process of weathering and erosion alongwith retreating scarps have caused degradation of slopes and have damaging impact on the sculptures and paintings in the caves and in environs. Biotic interference has deteriorated the caves and their surroundings even further. Unstable slopes and seepages are the two major causes of concern while attempting preservation of these monuments. Thus the Archaeological Survey of India engaged the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in 1998, to carry out Multidisciplinary Geo-scientific studies of the cave site. The GSI studied out geological, geohydrological and environmental conditions of the site.
Various studies like topographic survey, geological mapping and geophysical surveys were undertaken in the area. Some specialized studies like stereo-photographic studies of vulnerable slopes, geotechnical studies within and outside the caves were done. Seismic assessment by micro earthquake studies and environmental impact assessment of the caves and their surroundings were also carried out. Geological and geotechnical studies were handicapped because only non-interfering and non-destructive methods could be used in and around the monuments. Sub-surface information also had to be collected and inferred from methods other than drilling to examine the rocks.
The GSI submitted an excellent report in 2001 on the studies carried out containing various thematic maps, damage assessment of the site from geotechnical perspective and their remedial measures and have also given suggestion for improving the environ of the caves.
The suggested remedial measures include shotcrete with rock bolt at selected places. Construction of new drains and the improvement of the existing caves by providing fresh lining. The potential benefits of shotcrete as surface support have been realized to a progressively increasing extent in the past decade. Shotcrete can be used to clad the rock surface and to fill in the undulations in the rock surface, control water seepage, protect steel components against corrosion and to provide a tough wearing surface to retard progressive weathering. The initial application of shotcrete close to the face stabilizes ground and promotes quality bolting, meshing and lacing.
The comprehensive Geoscientific studies for the monuments housed in the rock have been carried out for first time in the country. Similar studies have been carried out for seven sites in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh beginning from 1998. Some of the suggestions have already been implemented by the ASI. The protection measures involving the facades and inter-cave areas need more detailing to facilitate the Implementing Agency to design the measures. The protection measures like shotcreting and rock bolting of facades have not yet been implemented since they involve many other aspects on which a holistic approach is to be taken.
The Archaeological Survey of India is publishing the report containing the accounts of multidisciplinary Geoscientific studies for providing the first hand detail information of the site on which further studies and research can be carried out to evolve the most suitable measures for the sites which should take care of the aesthetic beauties of the site and its integrity. I am sure the publication will provide the archaeologists a document, the reading of which will help them in understanding the intricacies of the rock surface which play an important role in determining the protective measures. The Ajanta report has already been published and this is the second publication in the series of seven publications contemplated. I am confident it will also provide a good reading for all those who have interest in the monuments of the country.
