Ajanta Caves

• tree roots above the caves create cracks and increase water seepage into the caves, which leads to wall painting and sculpture damage and eventual structural instability;
• humidity increase within the caves caused by uncontrolled numbers of visitors which leads to fungus growth, attracting insects and eventually bats;
• inadequate security encourages vandalism and theft.

Previous deliberations:
25th extraordinary session of the Bureau (Chapter number III.249).

Main issues:

• Lack of microclimate control
• Progressive structural deterioration
• Absence of restoration and conservation codes adopted and implemented on a regular basis following international conservation norms

New information:

Upon the request of the national authorities, the World Heritage Centre organized a reactive monitoring mission by an international mural painting expert nominated by ICCROM between 1-9 December 2001. The mission examined the state of conservation of the mural paintings within the Ajanta and Ellora Caves and noted the following main threats facing the wall paintings:

• infiltration of rainwater into the caves;
• minor cracks on carved surfaces
• flaking of the paint layer
• infestation of bats and insects within the caves

The UNESCO expert recommended that the authorities consider:

• revising present methods for stabilizing and cleaning the wall painting surfaces;
• testing of new and alternative methods on small wall painting surfaces;
• continuous monitoring of the microclimate conditions in Ajanta Caves;
• enhancing documentation and archival material to evaluate changing conditions of the wall painting material;
• conserving further, the unique natural setting of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves by following the concept of minimal intervention with the historically established environment and giving preference to conservation solutions which involve minimal changes.

Finally, noting certain weaknesses within the institutional framework of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which occasionally prevent maximum utilization of the rich capacity and experience within its various branches, the UNESCO mission recommended that co-operation be enhanced between the complementary ASI branches to enhance the long-term protection and conservation of the two sites.

At the time of the preparation of this working document, the World Heritage Centre was continuing consultations with the Indian authorities to mobilize international technical co-operation for following up on the recommendations of the UNESCO mural painting expert. Further information will be presented to the Bureau at the time of its session together with updated information on the progress made by the authorities in enhancing the co-operation between numerous national and international conservation and development activities.

The Bureau may wish to consider further information at the time of its session and take a decision as appropriate.