How visitors’ breath is destroying Ajanta’s ancient wonders

Humidity, CO Levels Threaten Murals, Lower Footfall Could Be A Solution

- Prasad.Joshi

The famous paintings of Ajanta caves, widely regarded as the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, are under serious threat, not so much from age but the rush of visitors.

The 30 caves at the Unesco World Heritage site, some 100km from Aurangabad in Maharashtra, contain 550 paintings recounting the Jataka stories from the lives of the Buddha. They were painted over 700 years, from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE.

Now experts say high humidity, heat, carbon dioxide and dust caused by an overdose of daily visitors to the caves are dulling the vibrant topaz, blue, green, ochre and earthy brown colours of the paintings. Officials of Archaeological Survey Of India’s (ASI) Aurangabad circle and other experts told TOI visitor footfall should be reduced immediately to preserve the paintings.