Anantagiri's 9th century Jain caves lie in neglect
Hyderabad: A cluster of 15 ancient rock-cut Jain caves, dating back to the 9th century CE, in Anantagiri, Vikarabad district, remains in a state of neglect and partial damage, according to archaeologist Dr E Sivanagireddy.
After a site visit on Saturday, Reddy expressed concern over the lack of preservation efforts for these heritage structures.
The caves, carved out of rock, are both square and rectangular in shape, with dimensions ranging between 2 and 6 metres in length and 2 and 3 metres in width, and a depth of 2.5 metres. All openings face the east. Reddy confirmed that the caves were constructed for Jain ascetics to reside during the rainy season and also to perform Sallekhana Vrata, the religious practice of fasting unto death.
Of the 15 caves, six are intact, while the remaining have suffered damage during the expansion of a pathway that leads to the origin of the River Musi .
Religious Significance Undermined by Neglect
Reddy pointed to several features within the caves that reinforce their Jain heritage, including rock-cut beds, wall niches intended for oil lamps, and a mutilated statue of a Jain figure in 'artha paryankasana' (seated posture).
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting
Luxeartisanship
Buy Now
Undo
He urged the authorities of the Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple and Vikarabad municipality to intervene.
His suggestions included the removal of whitewash from the cave walls, development of access pathways, installation of a protective green belt, and the placement of informative signboards, highlighting the religious and historical importance of the site. These steps, he emphasised, would help preserve the caves for future generations.
Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple chairman Dr Padmanabham assured support for the initiative. The exploration was joined by heritage activists DR Syamsundar Rao, B Venkatareddy, B Sai Kiran Reddy, and Ellayya.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Houses outside lal dora to get water connections but at a hefty price
Chandigarh: The BJP-led municipal corporation did approve the agenda of temporary water connections for residents living outside the lal dora at 22 villages in the city, but with a caveat. The civic body has imposed double domestic charges and hefty construction charges, much to the chagrin of opposition parties, which protested against the financial burden. According to the opposition, water connections should be provided without imposing double domestic charges and construction charges on old buildings. Regardless of their protests, the mayor and BJP councillors approved the agenda. Objecting to this, AAP councillor Hardeep Singh said, "Water connection is required, but not by imposing double charges and construction charges on old buildings. I opposed these hefty charges, but the mayor completely ignored it and allowed the agenda to be approved, placing this unbearable financial burden on residents living outside Lal Dora." Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh agreed. "It is very wrong that water connections are passed, only to be given at double rates and by applying construction charges on old buildings. In their hunger to take credit, BJP approved the agenda but through wrong means, which will impose a major financial burden on the public. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo This is cheating the residents living outside Lal Dora. There is no logic of imposing a double domestic charge while giving such water connections. " BJP faced opposition within its ranks too, with councillor Kanwar Rana saying that double domestic charges outside lal dora should not be imposed. However, his objection was also ignored and the agenda was passed. The final decision will be taken by the Chandigarh administration. However, sources said that any construction outside the lal dora is illegal in the eyes of the UT administration, which terms such construction as illegal. Although the MC held meetings with senior officers of the UT and raised the issue before the administrator, arguing that water supply is a necessity, the move may encourage more illegal construction outside Lal Dora. Moreover, constructed properties outside the lal dora are being used for commercial activities. "Since the Periphery Control Act applies in Chandigarh and outside lal dora construction is a violation, approved agenda of the general house will be sent to the UT administration for its consideration. The UT will legally, administratively, and logically examine all points before taking a final decision," sources in the MC revealed. MSID:: 121601782 413 |
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Overlapping symptoms make Cov diagnosis difficult without tests
Kolkata: The overriding symptoms of Covid during the current surge were a low-grade, persistent fever, along with a mild cough, which could be deceptive, warned doctors. While it made a vast majority ignore the symptoms and take over-the-counter medicines, for some, the fever refused to subside. It was the continuing fever that led many to consult physicians. Most of those testing Covid positive on admission to hospitals for other ailments were also screened at hospitals due to their fever. Covid cases have been rising in Bengal over the past week. The state logged 319 cases in the past seven days, taking the number of active cases to 331 on Monday. Unlike the first three waves, when Covid came with loss of smell and taste, accompanied by high fever, severe cough and pneumonia, the symptoms of the current spike were muted and flu-like, said doctors. With a runny nose and a sore throat, symptoms in most were milder than that during the pandemic, said CMRI pulmonology director Raja Dhar. "Mild symptoms led many to ignore it, which could be risky at a time, when cases are proliferating. One should get tested, and if the result turns positive, the patient should isolate, especially if there are elders in the family. Screening should be stricter for elderly people with comorbidities, and if the fever and cough persist beyond four to five days, hospitalization is advised as symptoms could worsen quickly," said Dhar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo CMRI has seven Covid patients admitted. Manipal Hospitals infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty agreed. "The symptoms are flu-like, but for some, the fever persists. Those patients are getting tested, and many tested positive. While severe cases have been rare so far, rising numbers could lead to a spurt," he added. Five Covid patients, admitted to Manipal's different units, have been discharged. Covid pneumonia has been rare this time, said Charnock Hospital pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta. "Most patients have a cough and low fever. Even the elders in hospital who tested positive have muted Covid symptoms. Most are being treated for their comorbidities. During the pandemic, a vast majority of senior citizens had severe Covid symptoms, including pneumonia," said Sengupta. Dhar pointed out that the Jn.1 variant of the Omicron, now believed to be in circulation, was highly transmissible though less virulent. "But it is safe to isolate yourself for five days on testing positive and take symptomatic drugs. Symptoms are likely to remain mild till this wave blows over in about a fortnight. But even mild Covid may aggravate comorbidities, especially those related to lungs," he said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Uncertainty looms large over Telangana's Waqf Board's future
1 2 Hyderabad: With uncertainty looming over the existence of the Telangana Waqf Board following the amendment of the Waqf Act 2025, the state govt has sought advice legal advice from the advocate general and law department on whether the existing board should continue. According to official sources, the govt has requested guidance on the matter. Meanwhile, the minority welfare department has reportedly directed Telangana Waqf Board chairman Syed Azmatullah Husseni not to convene any board meetings until further orders. The issue came to the fore after chairman Husseni wrote a letter to the chief executive officer of the board last month, requesting that a meeting be convened. As the amended Waqf Act has come into force and there is no stay on its implementation from the Supreme Court , Telangana waqf board CEO Md Asadullah sought the opinion on the matter. Sources noted that the chairman has been forwarding files to the CEO. Officials said that under Section 14 of the amended Waqf Act, the composition of the board has undergone significant changes. While elected members are allowed to complete their terms, all nominated members are required to step down. The state govt is mandated to reconstitute the board in accordance with the new provision of Section 14. "As of now, the board comprises eight members. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Realize novos planos com o banco BV Banco BV Saiba Mais Undo While five are nominated, including the chairman, three are elected, including one from the bar council and two Muthawalis. However, as per the new Act, one Muthawali is allowed, in addition to other elected and nominated members. Moreover, as per the new Act, the elected members should be more than the nominated," a senior official of the minority welfare department said. While the state govt has been adopting a wait-and-watch approach, similar to other states like Karnataka, pending the Supreme Court's verdict on several petitions challenging the new Waqf Act. However, the recent board meetings and decisions taken by the chairman have placed the govt in a fix, prompting it to seek the opinion of the advocate general. However, the chairman, on his part, argued that the last Waqf board meeting was held in October 2024 and several public issues and grievances are still pending. He asserted that it is in the public interest to address these issues. "The board has every power to take up the issues, take decisions and pass resolutions," the chairman informed the govt.
