v, 365 p. : ill. (chiefly col.), col. maps (some folded) ; 29 cm.
USD 72.35
DK-222466
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 GSI’s 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment