HOW INSECTS, PESTS WIPE OF AJANTA CAVE PAINTING ?

HOW DO INSECTS, AND PESTS WIPE OF AJANTA CAVE PAINTINGS?

Context:

The Archaeological Survey of India is carrying out precautionary treatments to protect Ajanta cave paintings.

Ajanta caves :

1. Ajanta caves are a series of 30 Buddhist caves located in the Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.
2. This site is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It encompasses both Theravada (Hinayana) and Mahayana Buddhist traditions.
3. It is built on 6th century a.d..
4. It is located along Waghura river.
5. It was under the patronage of Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas and Yadavas.
6. Only 5 are Chaityas , rest are Viharas out of 29 caves excavated.

Problem :

1. The bat and bird excreta damages the paintings.

2. The paintings are good breeding place for microbes and insects thereby damaging the paintings.

3. The main problem is the entry of rainwater and water from the Waghura river , that leads to dampness in the cave atmosphere causing an increase in Algae, fungi , insects and microbes

4. The insects were silverfish, Beatles and common bugs.

5. All the factors are changing the original colour of the paintings from White to Yellow and Blue is turning to Green.

Why Ajanta is affected and not Ellora?

# In Ellora caves "a mixture of hemp ,clay and lime plaster was considered efficient for preserving paintings and carvings" is used.
# Whereas in Ajanta caves, studies have shown that basal layer of the murals was made of mud plaster and organic matter such as paddy husk ,grass ,vegetable fibres, does making it a good breeding place for microbes and insects

Solution:

1. Using ultraviolet light traps as nocturnal insects get attracted to ultraviolet radiation.

2. Yellow light traps can also be used to trap diagonal species like moths.

3. By understanding the phototactic behaviour of insects, appropriate wavelength lights can be used.

4. Other precautionary measures taken by ASI are:

a. Spraying of insecticides and herbicides

b.Fixing the loose plaster on cave walls

c.Regular cleaning and use of preservative coating on the painting.

Source: THE HINDU

Join Our Telegram

Rohingyas to be moved to Bhansan Char

RCEP TRADE NEGOTIATIONS ON STICKY GROUND?

India–Azerbaijan

05 Apr, 26
SHARE

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

04 Apr, 26
SHARE

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

01 Apr, 26
SHARE

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala