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GEOSCIENTIFIC STUDIES FOR
THE CONSERVATION OF
ELLORA CAVES
Edited by
Manohar Sinha
Dy. Director General (Retd.)
Geological Survey of India
Published by
The Director General
Archaeological Survey of India
Janpath, New Delhi
2011
First Edition, 2011
(1000 copies)
©
2011
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Price ; Rs. 1000.00
Printed at the Public Printing (Delhi) Service
C-80, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110020 Ph. 26811431
FOREWORD
Ellora is a magnificent set of rock cut caves and also known as cave temples represented
by elaborate carvings of gods and goddesses and are the devotional products of three religious
faiths viz Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The ensemble of 34 caves cut out in the Deccan
basalt are lying in a north-south direction for a distance of about 2 km situated at 30 km from
the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Caves 1 to 12 display Buddhism, 13 to 29 are of
Brahminical origin and 30 to 34 exhibit Jainism. Cave 16, which is also known as the ‘Kailash’
is a marvel of cave excavations and displays rock cut architecture at its best. Approximately
0.3 million cubic feet of rock has been excavated to carve out this exquisite cave temple. The
ancient rock cut temples are our national heritage and since it is a world heritage monument
it is also the pride possession of the mankind but the site is beset with many geological and
environment problems.
The natural process of weathering and erosion alongwith retreating scarps have caused
degradation of slopes and have damaging impact on the sculptures and paintings in the caves
and in environs. Biotic interference has deteriorated the caves and their surroundings even
further. Unstable slopes and seepages are the two major causes of concern while attempting
preservation of these monuments. Thus the Archaeological Survey of India engaged the
Geological Survey of India (GSI) in 1998, to carry out Multidisciplinary Geo-scientific studies
of the cave site. The GSI studied out geological, geohydrological and environmental conditions
of the site.
Various studies like topographic survey, geological mapping and geophysical surveys
were undertaken in the area. Some specialized studies like stereo-photographic studies of
vulnerable slopes, geotechnical studies within and outside the caves were done. Seismic
assessment by micro earthquake studies and environmental impact assessment of the caves
and their surroundings were also carried out. Geological and geotechnical studies were
handicapped because only non-interfering and non-destructive methods could be used in
and around the monuments. Sub-surface information also had to be collected and inferred
from methods other than drilling to examine the rocks.
(iii)
The GSI submitted an excellent report in 2001 on the studies carried out containing
various thematic maps, damage assessment of the site from geotechnical perspective and
their remedial measures and have also given suggestion for improving the environ of the
caves.
The suggested remedial measures include shotcrete with rock bolt at selected places.
Construction ot new drains and the improvement of the existing caves by providing fresh
lining. The potential benefits of shotcrete as surface support have been realized to a progressively
increasing extent in the past decade. Shotcrete can be used to clad the rock surface and to fill
in the undulations in the rock surface, control water seepage, protect steel components against
corrosion and to provide a tough wearing surface to retard progressive weathering. The initial
application of shotcrete close to the face stabilizes ground and promotes quality bolting,
meshing and lacing.
The comprehensive Geoscientific studies for the monuments housed in the rock have
been carried out for first time in the country. Similar studies have been carried out for seven
sites in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh beginning from 1998. Some of the
suggestions have already been implemented by the ASI. The protection measures involving
the facades and inter-cave areas need more detailing to facilitate the Implementing Agency to
design the measures. The protection measures like shotcreting and rock bolting of facades
have not yet been implemented since they involve many other aspects on which a holistic
approach is to be taken.
The Archaeological Survey of India is publishing the report containing the accounts
of multidisciplinary Geoscientific studies for providing the first hand detail information of
the site on which further studies and research can be carried out to evolve the most suitable
measures for the sites which should take care of the aesthetic beauties of the site and its
integrity. I am sure the publication will provide the archaeologists a document, the reading of
which will help them in understanding the intricacies of the rock surface which play an
important role in determining the protective measures. The Ajanta report has already been
published and this is the second publication in the series of seven publications contemplated.
I am confident it will also provide a good reading for all those who have interest in the
monuments of the country.
(Gautam Sengupta)
Director General
Archaeological Survey of India
(iv)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD III-IV
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 5-14
CHAPTER II REGIONAL GEOMORPHOLOGY AND GEOLOGY 15-30
CHAPTER III TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS AND GEOMORPHOLOGY 31-44
CHAPTER IV GEOLOGY OF THE ELLORA CAVES AREA 45-60
CHAPTER V GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS OF ELLORA CAVES AREA 61-84
CHAPTER VI SEISMIC ASSESSMENT STUDIES 85-102
OF ELLORA CAVES AREA
CHAPTER VII GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES 103-304
OF ELLORA CAVES AREA
CHAPTER VIII ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES OF ELLORA CAVES 305-344
CHAPTER IX SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND 345-362
RECOMMENDATIONS
OVERVIEW 363-387
(V)
(Vi)
