Nine rock-cut caves for Jain ascetics in Telangana’s Anantagiri damaged; six remaining crying for attention

A call was given to protect 9th-century Jain caves in Anantagiri, Vikarabad; archaeologist urges preservation efforts for historical significance.

A group of 15 rock-cut Jain caves in Anantagiri — a hill station in Vikarabad district — dating back to the 9th century CE, are in dire need of protection. Archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation, E. Sivanagireddy, who visited the caves on Saturday, said that the caves were carved for Jain ascetics to spend the rainy season and observe Sallekhana vrata (fasting unto death).

The 15 caves, which are square and rectangular, vary in size between 2.0 to 6.0 meters in length, 2.0 to 3.0 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in depth, with openings to the east.

Out of the 15 rock-cut caves, six are intact, while the rest were damaged during the widening of the pathway leading to the origin point of the River Musi. The rock-cut beds on the floor and niches in the walls to keep lamps, along with a mutilated Jain statue seated in artha paryankasana, reflect Jain origins.

Mr. Sivanagireddy urged the authorities of the Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple and Vikarabad Municipality to remove the whitewash coated on the walls of the caves and make them presentable to visitors. He also requested that pathways, a fence, and signages with historical and religious significance of the caves be provided to save them for posterity and benefit future generations. The temple committee chairman Padmanabham assured that he would extend necessary support in this regard.