Ancient Jain caves in Telangana's Anantagiri face neglect, archaeologist calls for their protection
cluster of fifteen 9th-century rock-cut Jain caves at Telangana's Anantagiri, a popular hill station in the Vikarabad district, about 100km from the state capital Hyderabad, is in urgent need of protection and conservation, according to senior archaeologist Dr E Sivanagireddy. He inspected the site Saturday and highlighted the precarious state of these 1,100-year-old historical treasures.
The caves, which are square and rectangular in plan, vary in size from 2 to 6 metres in length, 2 to 3 metres in width, and 2.5 metres in depth, with openings that face east.
Dr Reddy confirmed their Jain affiliation, noting they were likely excavated to provide shelter for Jain ascetics during the rainy season and to observe the Sallekhana vrata (fast unto death).
'Out of the 15 caves, only six remain intact, with the others suffering damage while widening a pathway leading to the origin point of the Musi river. Evidence of their Jain heritage includes rock-cut beds on the cave floors, niches in the walls for lamps, and a mutilated Jain statue seated in artha paryankasana,' he said.
Dr Sivanagireddy has appealed to the authorities of the Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple and the Vikarabad Municipality to take immediate steps for the preservation of these significant historical sites.
His recommendations include removing the whitewash coating from the cave walls, improving accessibility with proper pathways, creating a clear 'free belt' around the caves, and installing signage detailing their historical and religious importance. Such measures, he stressed, are crucial to safeguard these caves for future generations.
Dr Padmanabham, chairman of the temple, has reportedly assured Dr Reddy of his support in this endeavour. Heritage activists D R Syamsundar Rao, B Venkatareddy, B Sai Kiran Reddy, and Ellayya were also part of the exploration team.
Dr Sivanagireddy said such rock-cut caves are found in four more locations across the state, and all belong to the Rashtrakuta period and similarly deserve attention and protection.
'There are similar caves at Yellakonda near Nawabpet on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Such caves are also noticed at Akalayagutta, Padmakshigutta, and Mugilicherla on the outskirts of Warangal,' he added.
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