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Buddhist caves facing neglect in Jahanabad
by
Ajay Kumar
Jahanabad:
The Buddhist Caves in Bihar's Jahanabad area hold
a great potential to draw thousands of tourists from different
parts of the country and world. But not many tourists
feel motivated to visit this historically important place.
Following Maoist insurgency and administrative neglect,
these historically significant Barabar Caves are lying
unattended. Located deep inside the Barabar Hills, 45
kilometres from Gaya and 38 kilometres from Jahanabad,
the Barabar Caves are losing their attraction value. Locals
believe that the government's negligence discourages tourists
from visiting this spot. It is said that Mauryan Emperor
Ashoka had these caves done up for the Buddhist monks
in 200 B.C. Five caves were formed from one single granite-based
hill and the caves measure around 120 metres. Among these,
the one named after Lomas Rishi is the most popular cave
and it looks like the abode of some sage. What fascinates
the visitors here is the façade inside that is well polished,
in contrast to the rough rocky looks from outside. The
other two significant caves are named Sudama and Chaupar.
"This hill is of granite stone; there are five sorts of
caves over here. This cave is a handmade cave; human beings
did cutting of this cave. This cave has not lost its gleam
and shine. And the best part is that the five caves have
been made inside one single hill," said Sanjay Kumar,
a tourist. Declared part of the national heritage by Archaeological
Survey of India, condition of the caves is very bad. "The
main thing about these caves is that King Ashoka got them
done, but condition of these caves has deteriorated over
the period of time. Tourism here is suffering because
roads are not in proper shape. These caves are located
at an isolated area and that's another reason why just
a few visitors come here," said Nandu Paswan, caretaker
of Barabar Caves. Despite Bihar being a prime destination
for Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world and also
for others interested in knowing the saga of Lord Buddha
such as the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, the concerned authorities
have not been able to maintain a proper upkeep here. Historians
contend that these caves date back to the era of the Emperor
Ashoka and who was instrumental in spreading of Buddhism
beyond the frontiers of India. But today it needs proper
conservation and realization of its significance by authorities.
-Dec
18, 2008
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