Researchers demand better protection and preservation of ancient Buddhist caves and petroglyphs
The researchers also urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to fully protect all ancient rock art forms or carvings (petroglyphs), most of which are over 10,000 years old, in the Konkan belt of Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Sindhudurg districts.
"This matter of protecting the ancient Buddhist caves has been brewing for the past few years, as we are witnessing a lack of maintenance and shocking encroachments around these historic caves, despite having the heritage notices of ASI displayed at the sites," said a Raigad-based researcher, Vikas Dhanave.
For example, Dhanave pointed out: "In Karjat taluka, there is a cluster of caves dating back to the 2nd century BC Satvahana era (over 2,000 years old), known as Kondhane caves and Ambivali Leni caves. These are beautifully cut into a rocky hill to make space for Buddhist viharas and other work areas of that era. However, some developmental works worth Rs 1 crore have started next to Ambivali Leni, including the construction of a 'changing room', as if the visitors are going to a five-star resort.
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The researchers also pointed out that, like the famous Karla Buddhist Caves near Lonavala, which are thankfully protected and depict intricate, artful rock cuttings, the other neglected caves along the Konkan belt and other sites must also be fully preserved.
The officials of ASI Mumbai circle, who met a delegation of the agitating researchers on Saturday, assured them that all their demands would be inquired into and action taken in accordance with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
"There was a famous 'Keru Mata Caves Temple' at Dungi village, near Panvel. Unfortunately, these 5th century AD caves cut from a single rocky monolith have been fully destroyed to make the Navi Mumbai International Airport complex. This way, we slowly lose our connection with ancient history. Perhaps these Dungi caves were used as a resting place by merchants en route to the busy Panvel market. These can be fascinating relics," said another researcher.
Regarding the exemplary petroglyphs (also known as geoglyphs), which display carvings of tigers, elephants, deer, rhinos, human shapes, and even marine creatures like sharks and starfish, environmentalist B N Kumar noted: "Imagine, 10,000 to 20,000 years ago, the Konkan region had such a rich biodiversity. This is why these animal shapes have been created on laterite rocks. Today, there are practically no elephants in these parts.
Our ancient Indian heritage must be protected. We do not want another highway or a chemical factory to be built over these vulnerable petroglyphs."
In August last year, the Maharashtra govt announced that they are declaring certain petroglyphs in Ratnagiri district as 'protected monuments'.
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