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Time of India

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.