GPR Investigations in Ajanta Caves to Decipher Seepage Pathways

The rock cut caves of Ajanta (2nd century BC to 6th century AD) are of Buddhist heritage. The caves have won a unique place by virtue of their having the most perfect mural paintings. The caves were excavated in the semi-circular scarp of the Deccan Trap basalts. The caves have been declared as World Heritage Monuments by the UNESCO. The natural processes of weathering and retreating scarps have caused damages to the caves. Seepage of water into the cave walls has damaged the paintings. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) investigations were carried out over the caves to identify the presence of pathways, which may cause seepage of water into the caves.