Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi has urged the Centre to declare Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves in Odisha capital as World Heritage site.
In a letter to Union Tourism and Cultute Minister G Kishan Reddy, the sarliamentarian said the inclusion of the twin hills in the World Heritage sites list will ensure better preservation and development.
Stating that Udayagiri and Khandagiri site is a Centrally Protected Monument under the Archeological Survey of India, she said these two hills are affiliated exclusively to Jaina pantheon and fulfill the criteria required for their incorporation in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
This site is widely known for rock cut caves dedicated to Jainism. Besides, the site is famous for famous Brahmi inscriptions of 17 lines in Prakrit language pertaining to the period of King Kharavela of Mahameghavahana Chedi dynasty of 1st century BC, Sarangi said in her letter which was released to media.
This site also have prehistoric remains belonging to Mesolithic period as attested by the remains of microliths and prehistoric rock art in the form of rock engravings and paintings of anteler, human forms, foot mark, serpentine etc, the BJP leader said
The architectural design of double storeyed rock-cut caves, the sculptural embellishments, decorative features, scheme of work dates back to 1st century BC and are unparalleled in the contemporary world. The façade of the cells in the caves are carved with sculptural friezes like women rescuing scene from wild elephant, deer, hunting scene, female dancing scene, couple offering flowers, ganas/ yakashyas and yakashis, royal, procession, and the unique guard / door keeper of Greeco-Roman style etc, said Sarangi.
The entrance arches have engravings of flowers, honey-suckle, lotus and creepers of various designs. Various symbols are found arrayed in the caves, which are associated with Jaina symbols like srivatsa, nandipada, snake and lotus, the Lok Sabha member said.
“Under the circumstances, the twin hills of Khandagiri & Udayagiri located in the Capital City of Bhubaneswar in Odisha qualify to be included in the World Heritage sites list. The inclusion will result in better preservation and development,” Sarangi added.
