Geoscientific Studies For The Conservation Of Ajanta Caves, Kavinmiku Colar Kalaikal!

A World Heritage Site since 1983, Ajanta Caves are a group of 30 rock-cut caves

. Which, over the time, have left millions around the world simply mesmerized, with the incredible artistic and technological achievements of ancient India! Located at about a hundred kilometres from Aurangabad (Maharashtra), these cave monuments are adorned with fascinating murals and sculptures, acclaimed to be the masterpieces of Buddhist art. The caves cut out, side by side, in the Deccan basalt: from around 2nd century BC to about 600 AD unmistakably exemplify an awe-inspiring technological exploit of ancient India.

The natural weathering and erosion over the centuries, together with retreating scarps have not only resulted in the degradation of slopes, but have had damaging impact on the sculptures and paintings in the caves and in their environs. Biotic interference has further deteriorated the caves and their surroundings. In 1998, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) engaged the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to carry out multidisciplinary geo-scientific studies of the caves site. And, for the first time, the GSI studied out geological, geohydrological, and environmental conditions of the site.

Carrying out comprehensive geo-scientific studies for the entire Ajanta complex, the Geological Survey of India presented an excellent report on their findings in 2001, containing various thematic maps, damage assessment of the site from geotechnical perspective, and also their remedial measures. This volume carries GSIs report including, among other aspects, the geology of the Ajanta Cave area, its topographic and geophysical surveys, and seismic assessment; besides the results of their geotechnical and environmental studies of the caves.

Dr Manohar Sinha is the former Deputy Director General of the Geological Survey of India.

Kavinmiku colar kalaikal

In Indian history, the Imperial Cholas count among the most important dynasties. The rulers of this family established a powerful empire that dominated a larger part of the peninsular India for about 450 years: c. 850 1250 CE, with Thanjavur as their capital. The Cholas 450-year reign was an age of continuous improvement and refinement of the Dravidian art and architecture. They utilized their prodigious wealth, earned through their extensive conquests, in building big cities, grand palaces with huge banquet halls, and many long-lasting stone temples. Indisputably the great connoisseurs of art, they are known for their immense contribution to the development not only of architecture and sculpture, but paintings, dance, music and literature as well. Significantly, the Chola sculptures and bronze images are today acclaimed the world over for their classic grace, grandeur and immaculate taste. The best example of this can be seen in the form of Nataraja: the Divine Dancer.

And, besides all else, the Great Temple of Thanjavur also known as the Great Temple of Rajarajesvara and Brahadisvara Temple is a standing monument exemplifying the glories of Chola art and architecture. Recognized by UNESCO, since 1983, as a World Heritage Monument, this great temple was built by the Chola Emperor Rajaraja 1 in 1010 CE. In September 2010, an exhibition was organized to commemorate the 1000th year of its construction. Accompanying the exhibition, this volume showcases the masterpieces of Chola art, architecture, paintings, royal copper plates, gold and silver coins, inscriptions, and vessels and with emphasis on Chola bronzes. The book, ostensibly in the nature of a catalogue, carries about 250 beautiful, colour photographs.

Dr R. Nagaswamy (b. 1930) : a widely recognized authority on Tamil Art and Archaeology, is former Director of Archaeology, Tamil Nadu.

by: A. Mittal

POST COMMENT

Norton Scientific Reviews: Do We Still Need Java? Different Levels Of Scientific Editing Forensic Engineer Saginaw A Scientific Detective Scientific Scientific Method Is There Any Scientific Base Of Numerology Calculation Importance Of Elisa Kits In Advanced Scientific Studies Watering Plants Of Scientific Curiosity Scientific Math Accounting Being A List Of Combined As Well As Synchronized Scientific Techniques Hydrophonic - A Scientific Procedure Scientific Meaning Of Theory 10 scientific facts about tea