World Heritage Day: Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in Bhubaneswar cry for attention 

The twin caves of Udaygiri and Khandagiri in Bhubaneswar, built in the 2nd century BC by King Kharavela of the Meghavahana dynasty, are amongst the most visited places in the State. 

These beautiful rock-cut caves are attracting visitors from far and near for their exquisite carving and inscriptions. But these caves are under threat. 

Udayagiri Caves

The recent move of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to seal the road between Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves has laid bare the fact that the caves are in danger. The roads approaching from the Jayadev Vatika side and Khandagiri Square side have been closed. Boom barriers have been put up to stop vehicles from entering the site. 

This has been done to protect the caves from the onslaught of CO2 and vibration caused by vehicles. Earlier, the national conservation body had warned that the pollution, climate change and vibration have done considerable damage to the caves. 

During the time of the Hockey World Cup, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation sealed the road for vehicles. But once the event was over, the road was opened. 

However, the ASI has closed the road permanently. 

Located 7 kilometres away from Bhubaneswar, the rock-cut caves were built on the Kumari mountain range for Jain monks. The king built these caves to give the monks a place to meditate. The caves were first discovered by British officer Andrew Sterling in the 19 century AD. 

Originally, one hundred and seventeen caves were built. Of them, 33 have survived. Of the surviving ones, while Udayagiri hill has 18 caves, Khandagiri hill has 15. The ASI maintains Udayagiri caves so visitors have to buy tickets to visit the place. But the caves in Khandagiri hills aren’t coming under the purview of the ASI so there is no need to buy tickets to visit Khandagiri caves. 

The major caves in Udayagiri hill are:

Hathi Gumpha or the elephant cave: This cave has inscriptions of King Kharavela. The seventeen lines describe his conquests and way of governance.  

Rani Gumpha or the queen cave: This cave is double-storied with beautiful carvings. Another feature of this cave is it has acoustic characteristics. 

Ganesh Gumpha or Ganesh cave: This cave is known for the carving of Lord Ganesha and two elephants. 

Vyaghra Gumpha or tiger cave: This cave got its name from its entrance is shaped like the head of a tiger and the door like its throat. 

The major caves in Khandagiri hill are:

Barabhuja Gumpha, Trishula Gumpha and Ambika Gumpha