Conservation of Stone Monuments (Volcanic Geo Heritage) -

Elephanta Caves, Deccan Traps, Western India

(CASE STUDY)

July-2017
 POLITECNICO DI MILANO

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE URBAN PLANNING CONSTRUCTION

ENGINEERING
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
MANAGEMENT OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT
COURSE OF

VALORISATION OF CULTURAL
HERITAGE

PROFESSOR
ALFREDO RONCHI

STUDENT
CHITTE SURESHBABU (874490)

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 3
2. Elephanta Caves ................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Description and Setting ............................................................................................... 3
2.2 Map and Itinerary ........................................................................................................9
2.3 The Caves Layout ...................................................................................................... 10
3. Outstanding Universal Value.............................................................................................. 11
3.1 Statement of Significance............................................................................................ 11
3.2 Integrity .......................................................................................................................12
3.3 Authenticity ................................................................................................................12
4. Geological Classification The Influence of Material on Architecture ............................. 13
4.1 Rock-Cut Architecture in India .................................................................................. 13
4.2 Types of Stone Architecture ...................................................................................... 14
5. Conservation of Stone Monuments .................................................................................... 14
5.1 Technical Prospective ................................................................................................ 14
5.1.1 Mechanisms of Stone Decay .................................................................................... 14
5.2 Economic Prospective ............................................................................................... 23
6. Factors Affecting the Property ........................................................................................... 25
7. SWOT Analysis.................................................................................................................... 25
8. Key Issues and Strategy Options/Plans.............................................................................. 27
9. Financial Situation .............................................................................................................. 27
10. Present State of Conservation ........................................................................................... 29
11. Recommended Actions ...................................................................................................... 29
11.1 Business Plan A Bigger Plan ................................................................................... 29
11.2 Risk Analysis vs Remedies ........................................................................................ 32
11.3 Monitoring................................................................................................................. 34
12. Conclusion.......................................................................................................................... 35
13. References .......................................................................................................................... 36

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 1. Introduction
Geoheritage, geoconservation, and geotourism studies are of increasing interest worldwide
because of their scientific, societal, cultural, and aesthetic value. Volcanic areas (whether
active, dormant, or extinct) are exciting targets for such studies. Mid-sixth century rockcut
caves in Deccan basalt on the island of Elephanta, in the Mumbai harbor, are the finest in
western India. The Elephanta Caves contain exquisite religious sculptures related to the
Hindu god Shiva. They are a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India and
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but no geological-volcanological account of them exists.
Here, we illustrate typical and well-exposed hummocky pahoehoe lava flows with three-
tiered flow lobes and toes, upper crustal vesicular banding and pipe vesicles along lobe
bases, and tumuli with inflation clefts and squeeze-ups, from the Elephanta Caves
monument. The field observations and simple calculations indicate formation by
endogenous growth (inflation), as for pahoehoe flows in Hawaii and Iceland. Interestingly,
despite differences in flow volumes of orders of magnitude between Hawaiian, Icelandic,
and Deccan flows, their morphologies, internal structures, and even the scale of these
structures are identical. We interpret this as indicating similarly low effusion-rate but much
longer lasting eruptions for the Deccan compared to the other two. We show that the
Elephanta Caves, a world-renowned historical, artistic, and religious monument, are also a
monument for geology and volcanology, and therefore, the need for their conservation in
technical as well as economical prospective is even greater.

2. Elephanta Caves
2.1 Description and Setting
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Coordinates: 18.9634 N 72.9313 E
No: 35 (list of all attractions)
Categories: Hindu shrines, Buddhist shrines, Rock cut architecture
Values: Art, Architecture, History, Archaeology
Rank: 2
Asia, India, Maharashtra, Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour,
Address:
less than 10 km east from Mumbai
Name in Marathi:
Age: Between the 5th - 8th century AD
Religion: Hindu, Buddhism
UNESCO World
1987, No.244
Heritage status:

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The center of one of the largest cities in the world Mumbai is just 10 kilometers away
from the small, forested Elephanta Island. But forests and cliffs of Elephanta Island hide
magnificent secrets Elephanta Caves, giant chambers hewn in solid cliff and adorned
with some of the most magnificent stone carvings known to be made by ancient man.
Nobody knows for sure when and by whom these amazing monuments have been created.
Whole caves with pillars and the beautiful artwork were made as giant sculptures by
precise carving of the solid basalt and removing it.

SMALL ISLAND WITH ANCIENT CAVE TEMPLES

Elephanta Island is located in the silted Thane Creek, surrounded by the busy everyday life
of the Mumbai Harbour. The island is roughly 10 km2 large at high tide and approximately
16 km2 large at low tide, approximately 2.4 km long. Deep ravine goes from the north to
south through the island with basaltic trap hills in both sides rising to 173 m high. Three
small, densely built up villages are located closer to the shores of island but for most part
the island has preserved rural landscape. Whole island is UNESCO World Heritage
Monument. Gharapuri is also the older, local version of the name of Elephanta island
although an even older version was Agraharpuri.
Two groups of rock-cut cave temples are located in island five Hindu caves and two
Buddhist caves. Hindu caves are located more to the west, while the high hill to the east
from ravine contains a brick stupa on top and two Buddhist caves with few rock-cut cisterns.
Caves were hewn in solid basalt hard work even for contemporary tools. Initially caves
were painted in bright colors now the paint is gone and only traces of it remain.
EARLY HISTORY
Architectonic features of Elephanta cave chambers and their details suggest that cave
chambers were made in the time period between the 5th 8th centuries AD. Earlier there
existed an inscription in the caves or near them informing about the builder of caves but
it has been lost later, during the Portuguese times.
Popular legend states that caves were definitely, not built by people but rather by mythical
beings: either by Pandavas legendary heroes of Mahabharata or by Banasura very
powerful demon.
Archaeological investigations have resulted in a find of few Kshatrapa coins from the 4th
century AD but this does not directly mean that caves have been made in this time.
One likely creator of caves is Konkan Mauryas break-away group of Mauryan dynasty.
Elephanta by that time was called Puri or Purika and was a capital city. Thus, it is possible
that caves were shaped in the middle of 6th century by Mauryas. This is put in doubt by
some researchers Mauryan state at this time seemed to be not that powerful and
influential to create such an amazing monument. It is also possible that caves were built by
early Kalachuri kings they were feudals to Konkan Mauryas. Both Kalachuris and Konkan

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Mauryas were followers of a Pahsupata Shaivism sect and also the main cave temple in
Elephanta is dedicated to this sect.
In 635 AD Badami Chalukyas under the great emperor Pulakesi II defeated Konkan Mauryas
in a naval battle. It is possible that Chalukyas took active part in the development of the
main cave in the middle of the 7th century as well. Later throughout the centuries the island
was owned by different rulers and most likely temple activities continued as well.

PORTUGUESE RULE AND NEWER TIMES

Bahadur Shah of Gujarat was the last
indigenous ruler of Elephanta Island before
Mumbai and its surroundings were
appropriated by Portuguese in 1534.
Portuguese named the island Elephanta
after an impressive sculpture of elephant
made in black stone. Back then this
sculpture was standing on the mound to the
east from Gharapuri village. Elephant
collapsed in 1814 and was brought to Victoria
Gardens and reassembled. Now it is located
in Jijamata Udyaan zoo in Mumbai.

Portuguese rule was disastrous for Elephanta. Population on island declined and the island
became forested. After thousand years long worship the Shiva temples in caves were
abandoned as well. The only religious event which has survived to this day and is related to
ancient cave temples is the festival of Shiva Maha Shivaratri. Even worse Portuguese
used the beautiful sculptures in ancient cave temples for target practice. Most of statues
were heavily damaged.

In 1661 the island became a part of the British Empire but cave temples remained
abandoned. Time did its work water found new paths through the cliff, gradually
eliminating the achievements of ancient art. As the popularity of non-European art rised,
many valuable details perished in private collections and gradually lost the track of their
history.

After long years of neglect the Great Cave was renovated several times throughout the 20th
century, notably in the 1970s. Unfortunately, the other caves, including three caves with
important sculptures, are badly damaged. In 1987 Elephanta Caves were declared as
UNESCO World Heritage site.

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THE GREAT CAVE
This beautiful cave temple (named
also Cave 1, Shiva Cave, Mahesha-
Murti Cave) is located in hillside
and is facing the ocean. Floor area
of this cave is 5.600 m2, it goes 39
m deep into the basalt cliff. This
cave is extremely rich with
enormous, beautiful sculptures,
some of these sculptures serve as
symbols to whole ancient India.
In some aspects, the Great Cave
resembles the 8th century Kailash Temple in Ellora Caves often there is considered that
artists in both sites could be the same. Cave was used as a Hindu worship place until the
Portuguese rule.
Northern entrance to temple has 1000 steep steps starting from the quayside. Entry in the
cave temple leads through impressive portal with massive columns. Entrance is aligned to
north-south axis what is unusual in general Shiva temples have east-west orientation.
This cave unites the elements of Chalukyan architecture like the massive figures of the
divinities and guardians and square pillars with custom capitals which in turn have Gupta
architectural features depictions of mountains and clouds, womens hairstyles. Main
chamber (mandapa) of the cave is supported by rows of impressive pillars, each side of
mandapa is approximately 27 m long. Beautiful carvings with Shiva in several forms cover
each wall in the mandapa, each carving is more than 5 m high.
Inside the mandapa, to the right from the entrance there is located the central Shiva shrine
free-standing square cell with four entrances and linga in the centre. Each of the four
entrances in Shiva shrine is guarded by two dvarapalas 4.5 4.7 m high gate keepers. Their
task is to keep the ill-intentioned visitors away. Sadly
these stone giants did not perform their duties
during the Portuguese times. At the east and west
end of the cave there are smaller shrines the
eastern one serves as a ceremonial entrance. Cave
suffered serious damage during the Portuguese
times, most of sculptures were damaged by shooting.
Happily, the enormous unique Trimurti sculpture
was spared.

TRIMURTI
The most renowned sculpture in mandapa of the
Great Cave is Trimurti (Trimurthy) sculpture with
three faces of Shiva. It is located on the south wall of
mandapa and is 6.1 m high.

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Trimurti resembles a Trinity of Brahma,
Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva) royal insignia
of Rashtrakutas. The image depicts a three-
headed Shiva each of the heads represents
one of essential aspects of Shiva creation,
protection and destruction. Creation
(Vamadeva) looks to the right, it is shown as
a young, lively, vital woman with sensuous
lips, holding something like a rose bud in
hands. Destruction (Rudra-Shiva, Aghora,
Bhairava) to the left, to east is shown as a
young, moustached man, displaying anger.
Central face (Tatpurusha) is benign,
meditative, praying for the preservation of
humanity, he is master of positive and
negative principles of existence.
Trimurti is one of symbols of Indian culture,
a masterpiece of Gupta Chalukyan art.
ARDHANARISVARA, GANGADHARA AND
OTHER TREASURES
Trimurti is flanked by sculptural groups
called Ardhanarisvara on its left and Gangadhara to its right. Gangadhara is 5.2 m high and
4 m wide. It shows divinities assembled around Shiva and Parvati. The 5.11 m high
Ardhanarishvara depicts a four-armed Shiva. Shiva is shown as a half male half female.
Cave contains several more carvings of general importance to world art history including a
carving of Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailash with numerous other characters and detailed
landscape features. In total, there are 15 enormous panels containing art values.
Portico of eastern part of cave is guarded by seated tigers resembling later seated lions
popular up to the 19th century in European manor house designs. Eastern part of cave
contains also a giant statue of four-armed gate keeper with two demons attendants.
Western wing is in bad shape, but it is also rich with stone carvings. Contains a cistern with
water possibly created by Buddhists.

MORE CAVES AND OTHER MONUMENTS

On the crest of the hill above the Great Cave there is a broken stone lion, tiger or griffin
possibly one of guards in the entrances of Great Cave. Some sources say that it was
worshipped as Tiger Goddess Vaghesvari.
Hindu cave No 2. is located to the south-east from the Great Cave. It is facing east, with a
chapel in its northern end. Portal of the cave is destroyed, interior has been damaged by
water. The irregular chapel is supported by 4 eight-cornered columns and 2 demi-columns.
Traces of sculptures remain but most of previously rich artwork has perished.

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A little further to the south there is cave No 3. in even worse condition, damaged by
stagnant water. Pillars in the front of rooms have been preserved, sculptures of door-keepers
of shrine are partly preserved.
Near the caves in earlier times there have been found some sculptures i.e. large sculpture
of horse which disappeared in the middle of the 18th century.

Ganesha in the east wing

Ardhanareshwar Shiva

Across the top of the ravine from Cave 1 there is a large cave chamber Sitabais Temple.
Portico of this chamber has four pillars and two pilasters. Behind the hall there are three
chambers, central chamber hosted shrine. Cave contained beautiful and impressive
adornments up to the Portuguese rule but now rather little remains, although cave still
contains valuable sculptures.
To the north from Sitabais cave there is small
Hindu cave No 5. with verandah, it has been
abandoned soon after the start of construction.
The 173m high Stupa Hill is located in the eastern
part of island. It contains two caves with Buddhist
monuments and also cisterns from the 3rd century
AD or earlier. One of two caves are not complete. In
the other cave, there is stupa made in bricks.
Island contains also other remnants of buildings
and artwork after all this was a place for capital
city in ancient times.
Nataraja sculpture

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2.2 Map and Itinerary

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2.3 The Caves Layout

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3. Outstanding Universal Value
The Elephanta Caves are located in Western India on Elephanta Island (otherwise known
as the Island of Gharapuri), which features two hillocks separated by a narrow valley. The
small island is dotted with numerous ancient archaeological remains that are the sole
testimonies to its rich cultural past. These archaeological remains reveal evidence of
occupation from as early as the 2nd century BC. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were
constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. The most important among the caves
is the great Cave 1, which measures 39 meters from the front entrance to the back. In plan,
this cave in the western hill closely resembles Dumar Lena cave at Ellora, in India. The main
body of the cave, excluding the porticos on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27
meters square and is supported by rows of six columns each.
The 7-metre-high masterpiece Sadashiva dominates the entrance to Cave 1. The sculpture
represents three aspects of Shiva: The Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer, identified,
respectively, with Aghora or Bhairava (left half), Taptapurusha or Mahadeva (central full
face), and Vamadeva or Uma (right half). Representations of Nataraja, Yogishvara,
Andhakasuravadha, Ardhanarishwara, Kalyanasundaramurti, Gangadharamurti,
and Ravanaanugrahamurti are also noteworthy for their forms, dimensions, themes,
representations, content, alignment and execution.
The layout of the caves, including the pillar components, the placement and division of the
caves into different parts, and the provision of a sanctum or Garbhagriha of sarvatobhadra
plan, are important developments in rock-cut architecture. The Elephanta Caves emerged
from a long artistic tradition, but demonstrate refreshing innovation. The combination of
aesthetic beauty and sculptural art, replete with respondent Rasas, reached an apogee at
the Elephanta Caves. Hindu spiritualistic beliefs and symbology are finely utilized in the
overall planning of the caves.
The heritage value was given to Elephanta caves is Outstanding Universal Value which is
based on following two criteria.
Criteria (i): The fifteen large reliefs surrounding the lingam chapel in the main Elephanta
Cave not only constitute one of the greatest examples of Indian art but also one of the most
important collections for the cult of Shiva.
Criteria (iii): The caves are the most magnificent achievement in the history of rock-
architecture in western India. The Trimurti and other colossal sculptures with their
aesthetic setting are examples of unique artistic creation.

3.1 Statement of Significance

Proposed as follows:
Among the two hills on the island, the western and the eastern have altogether five rock-
cut caves in the former and the latter has a brick stupa on the top of it with two caves and
a few rock-cut cisterns. One of the caves on the eastern hill is unfinished and the other is a
plain excavation The most important among the caves in the western hill is the great Cave

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1 which measures 39 meters from its front entrance to the back. In plan, the cave closely
resembles Dumar Lena cave at Ellora. The main body of the cave, excluding the porticos on
the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 square meters and is supported by rows of six
columns each. The most striking of the sculptures is the famous colossal Trimurti at the
back of the cave facing the entrance. It is a colossal bust of the three forms of Siva, the
aghora, turbulent and fearsome; tatpurusha, benign and meditative; and vamadeva, mild,
pleasing and lovable. On each side of the Trimurti recess is a pilaster in front of which stand
gigantic dwarapalas or doorkeepers. There are also beautiful sculptured compartments in
this cave such as those depicting ardhanari (representing the unified form of Siva and
Parvati); kalyanasundaramurti (the marriage of Siva and Parvati); andhakasuravadamurti
(Siva killing the demon Andhaka); nataraja (dancing Siva) Demon King Ravana shaking the
mountain Kailasa, the abode of Lord Siva.
Status of Site Boundaries
Borders and buffer zone of the property are considered adequate. (The property is located
on an island, the whole of which is protected.)

3.2 Integrity
All the archaeological components in the Elephanta Caves are preserved in their natural
settings. There is further scope to reveal archaeological material and enhance information
by exposing the buried stupas. At the time of the listing the need was noted to safeguard
the fragile site from nearby industrial development. Currently, saline activity and general
deterioration of rock surface are affecting the caves. Management of the property would be
enhanced through the adoption of a Conservation Management Plan to guide restoration
and conservation works.
3.3 Authenticity
The authenticity of the property has been well maintained since its inscription on the World
Heritage List, despite certain repairs on the faade and pillars that have been carried out to
ensure the structural stability of the monument. Besides the caves, Elephanta Island
possesses archaeological remains from as early as the 2nd century BC and from the
Portuguese period, as witnessed, respectively, by stupas buried towards the eastern side of
the hillock and a canon located at its top. Moreover, the caves are preserved in the form of
monolithic temples, sarvatobhadra garbhgriha (sanctum), mandapa (courtyard), rock-cut
architecture, and sculptures. Since inscription, a number of interventions have been made
to enhance visitors experience and to conserve the site. These include the construction of
pathways, conservation of fallen and broken pillars, conservation of fallen and collapsed
facades, construction of flight of steps leading to the caves from islands jetty, repair to the
Custodians Quarters, and setting up of a Site Information Centre.

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4. Geological Classification The Influence of Material on
Architecture

The Mumbai caves are broadly classified under the category of Basalts or the Deccan
trap, after the region in which these are found abundantly, and are volcanic igneous rocks
formed as a result of extensive eruptions in the Cretaceous and Eocene periods of the
Mesozoic era. The caves of Kanheri and Mandapeshwar are carved into the hill face
comprising of amygdaloidal basalt. Amygdaloidal basalt has the strength of 600 kg/sq. cm,
offers ease of dressing, is non- porous, the vesicles are not interconnected and it is free from
divisional planes (Gaitonde, 2005).
On the other hand, the Mahakali caves are carved in a more friable form of rock known as
volcanic breccia, consisting of coarse to medium grained rock in a matrix of finer material.
Carved in a weaker rock are the caves of Jogeshwari, cut in pyritic volcanic tuff, containing
sulphides of iron or copper and iron. The rock is extremely soft, being volcanic ash, and is
therefore inherently vulnerable to the action of moisture and soluble salts.
All the cave sites of Mumbai are listed in the national register of heritage sites with the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as its custodians, who are primarily responsible for
their maintenance, restoration and promotion.

4.1 Rock-Cut Architecture in India

The Premier Sites for Indian Rock-Cut Architecture
This Approach Guide explores the three premier sites for rock-cut architecture in India:
Ajanta, Elephanta and Ellora. In doing so, it provides insight into the development of the
Buddhist and Hindu rock-cut architectural traditions (see Fig), from their origins at Ajanta
in the 2nd century BCE through to their end at Ellora in the 9th century.

Fig. Timeline of excavation activity for Indias rock-cut architecture.

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4.2 Types of Stone Architecture
There are two types of stone architecture:
Rock cut. The focus of this guidebook, rock-cut architecture is made by carving into natural
rock. Usually hewn into the sides of mountain ridges, rock-cut structures are made by
excavating rock until the desired forms are achieved.
Stone built. Stone-built architecture, on the other hand, involves assembling cut stone
pieces to form a whole.

5. Conservation of Stone Monuments

In this section, the analysation has been done in two prospective to find the factors
affecting the site, which are technical and economical.

5.1 Technical Prospective

The following section deals with the review of literature and research done on the
conservation of stone as a monumental material at the national and international levels.
Mechanisms of stone decay need to be understood before working on the conservation of
stone as a monumental material.

5.1.1 Mechanisms of Stone Decay

Before we can take any action to prevent or to remedy the deterioration of stone, we must
understand what is causing it. Sometimes, the cause is obvious; sometimes there may be
several different causes acting at once (Price 1996). The causes for the deterioration of
building stone (Price 1996) in general, are summarized as follows:
i) Dampness: Water is an essential factor in the generation of internal stresses. Water
exerts mechanical action during driving rain, storm and freezing. It penetrates a porous
stone by means of capillary absorption. Water laden with salts is 25 transported in stone
through capillaries. The rate of leaching is greatest for stones with high porosity. On a moist
stone surface, the rate of deposition of pollutants is high compared to that on a dry surface.
Water in various forms is involved in various types of stone deterioration.
ii) Salt attack: Soluble salts can be originally present in stone before its incorporation into
the building or can be derived from external sources such as soil, atmosphere, pointing
materials or wrong interventions during cleaning and maintenance. In the presence of
moisture and thermal ingredients, these salts migrate towards warmer parts. The dissolved
salts in the moisture turn into crystals after evaporation called crystallization. Soluble salts
may crystallize on the surface of the stone forming unsightly deposits known as
efflorescence. The salt crystals form and grow in the pores and exert forces on the

14
surrounding stone known as crypto-florescence or sub florescence. The most common salts
occurring in efflorescences are sulphates, chlorides, nitrates and carbonates.
iii) Decay due to thermal variations: Stresses are developed in building stones due to
thermal changes and diurnal variations. Most of the rocks are poly-minerallic in nature;
each mineral expands in different rates, thus setting up minor stresses and strains which
tend to pull apart the minerals and disrupt the rocks. Sudden cooling of the outer surface
during rain causes a strain between the outer and inner portions of the rock elements in
buildings, which results in disintegration. 26
iv) Decay due to atmospheric pollution: As various atmospheric pollutants are present
simultaneously, it is difficult to point out the effect of one pollutant and no pollutant acts
in isolation. Hence the decay due to the pollutants is complex. Carbon monoxide, ammonia,
hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulphide, ozone, particulate matter and sulphur oxides are the
common harmful atmospheric pollutants.
v) Bio-degradation of stone: Algae, moss and lichens are commonly found on damp stone
surfaces. The growth becomes rapid immediately after rainfall, showing up bright green in
colour and becomes dry imparting a dark appearance. Acids generated from moss and
lichens leads to damage of stone. Growth of small plants and vegetation causes physical
stresses due to propagation of roots; further, the roots penetrate the joints and lead to
cracks. Dampness is retained on the stone due to the presence of vegetation thus inducing
continuous damage.
vi) Decay due to quarrying and dressing: The micro cracks formed during the quarrying
of stones lead to the entry of salt and acid solutions.
Conservation of Stone Monuments International
The working group Natural stones and weathering at the Geological Institute of the
Aachen University of Technology, Germany has a long-term experience in material and
damage investigation of natural stones. The methodology developed by this group
monument mapping helps in quantifying the decay of stones. By means of monument
mapping, the type, extent and distribution of the stones used and its damages are precisely
documented. An investigative method has been developed enabling us to record in detail
weathering damages according to objective and reproducible criteria. The mapping results
represent the basis for an evaluation of the damage situation and they are fundamental for
damage analysis. By means of detailed mapping, the state of the monument can be observed
on a long-term basis and the resulting modifications can be registered. In addition to
monument mapping, measuring procedures are applied for evaluation of damages (Stone,
www.stone.rwth-aachen.de.).
This non-destructive method guarantees precise classification, registration, documentation
and evaluation of stone types and degradation phenomena of natural stone monuments
(Fitzner et al 1993, 1997; Fitzner and Heinrichs 1994, 1998). The monument mapping method
is part of an in-situ investigation of monuments and is focused on stone deterioration at the
mesoscale. The method can be applied to all stone types and to all stone monuments. It
provides detailed information on the entire stone surface of monuments (Appendix 1).

15
The systematic documentation of suitable monument preservation is subdivided into three
important interdependent parts - anamnesis, diagnosis and therapy. The anamnesis is to
acquisite, compile and evaluate all available information, data and documents concerning
the monuments and their history. A comprehensive anamnesis has to consider all important
aspects like monument identification, location, art-historical portrayal, case history and
environment. The information provided by the anamnesis represents the first important
contribution to the understanding of the monument situation and the state of damage. The
anamnesis is consequently followed by diagnosis. The overall aim of the diagnosis is
analysis, quantification, interpretation and rating of stone deterioration and stone damage
considering weathering factors, weathering processes and weathering characteristics as well
as stone types, monument characteristics and time factor. The diagnosis uses the
information provided by the anamnesis and it represents the basis for the decision and
implementation of appropriate preservation measures. Subsequent to preservation
measures, repeated diagnostical activities facilitate control/certification of the preservation
measures and, furthermore, prevention of new damages, long term monitoring and
maintenance of monuments.
This systematic approach has been applied very successfully on historical stone monuments
in France, Spain, Italy, Malta, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Brazil and Chile (Fitzner et al
1993a; Fitzner and Heinrichs 1994, 1998a, 1998b). Fitzner and Heinrichs (2004) had
developed a detailed classification of weathering forms as the basis for precise, objective
and reproducible registration and documentation. Components of the classification scheme
are four levels of differentiation, definitions of weathering forms, symbols for registration
and data processing, parameters for intensity, classification of the weathering forms and
photo atlas. The consequent use of weathering forms, damage categories and damage
indices allows manifold scientific and practical evaluation. Based on defined schemes, all
weathering forms are related to damage categories. The damage categories have been
established in order to rate the different types of damage. Damage indices have been
introduced for conclusive quantification and rating of damage. Damage indices are
calculated based on quantitative evaluation of damage categories (Fitzner and Heinrichs
2002; Heinrichs and Fitzner 2000). Fitzner et al (2003) conducted pilot studies on the
petrological properties of sandstone and their state of weathering damage for the Karnak
Temple and the Luxor temple, the Gebel el-Silsila region, Egypt. A survey of historical
quarries was carried out to obtain replacement material from different locations and to
study the characteristics of sandstone. An analysis of the characteristics of sandstones
revealed that considerable variations are there with respect to their petro-physical
properties. The weathering forms present on the sandstone and quantification of
weathering forms were done by monument mapping. Based on the intensities of weathering
forms, damage categories and damage indices were established for quantification and rating
of weathering damage. The investigation areas show considerable proportions of moderate,
severe or even very severe damage. It concluded that the degree of damage on the
investigated areas did not correlate with their age and it appeared to be more dependent on
the exposure characteristics of the investigation areas and the local environmental
conditions, especially as related to salt weathering processes.

16
Weathering research group Queens University Belfast The Weathering Research Group
(WRG) has an extensive track record of research into the weathering mechanisms affecting
stone in natural and urban environments. The WRG is a complementary team of researchers
who publish and network together nationally and internationally and have built upon
quality research to establish themselves as the largest UK centre for pure and applied
research into stone properties, natural rock weathering and urban stone decay. In addition
to producing good science, a major strategy of the WRG is the development of an
interdisciplinary approach to complex weathering issues. International leadership in this
area is reflected in conference organisation and collaborative research links. In addition to
their track record of research into stone decay processes, recent studies by the group have
also begun to encompass the social dimension of cultural heritage conservation.
A photo atlas had been developed for decay features occurring in stone and these were
broadly classified into four categories, namely, Alteration/Deposition, Human Damage,
Mechanical break-down and Solution (Queens University, Belfast, www.weathering
tutorials). This is similar to Fitzners classification of weathering forms (Fitzner 2004).
Turkington et al (2003) conducted experiments of siliceous sandstone and calcareous
sandstone. The study was conducted on natural exposure and sheltered environment, and
registered surface change and decay of sandstone in a polluted urban atmosphere over a
six-year period. The results suggest that sandstone decay in a polluted urban atmosphere
may be rapid and cause marked surface change within a short period, relative to the life
expectancy of stone buildings and monuments.
Historic Scotland is an agency within the Scottish Executive Education Department and is
directly responsible to Scottish Ministers for safeguarding the nation's historic
environment, and promoting its understanding and enjoyment. Historic Scotland funded
several research projects in order to conduct an extensive research on Scottish architectural
heritage. The research projects done on the sandstone of Scotland provide an important
work of reference for practitioners and academics who are interested in conserving stone
buildings and monuments (Historic Scotland, www.mcrg/publications). One of the
research projects was Effects of stone cleaning methods on Scottish sandstones. This
research examined the effects of physical and chemical stone cleaning methods on building
sandstones and determined which tests should be performed on the sandstone prior to
cleaning, to choose a stone cleaning method which will not result in excessive damage to
the stone (Webster et al 1992).
Another research project was Sandstone consolidants and water repellants. The aim of this
programme was to research the effects of modern consolidants and water repellents on
Scottish sandstones and their success in reducing the rate of stone decay and of
consolidating existing decayed stone surface (Young et al 1999). Tiano et al (1999)
conducted weathering studies on monumental stones and studied the physical, chemical
and biogenic factors contributing to the deterioration of stone. They concluded that
weathering by environment induces progressive material dissolution by loss of material
cohesion. Prikryl et al (2003) conducted accelerated weathering studies to determine
weathering on Marlstones used in the historic buildings of Prague. SWAPNET (Stone
Weathering and Atmospheric Pollution Network) - This network is an informal association
of academics, conservators and others interested in the processes and forms of stone

17
weathering and the application of scientific methods to the conservation and preservation
of natural building materials. SWAPNET was formed as a discussion group in the late 1980s
and has since developed links between academics in geomorphology, geology and
microbiology. The network has no formal organizing committee or structure. There are no
formal membership requirements or qualifications. Each year a member offers to organize
a meeting to discuss stone weathering and conservation. Initially such meetings were fairly
small affairs, but from the Belfast meeting of 1995 onwards, larger meetings with full paper
sessions as well as informal discussions have been organized.

Stone monuments in India

The rich Architecture of India is a reflection of the geological diversity of the nation.
Creative ideas for utilizing locally available building stone brought new styles in
architectural design and structural construction (Kumar 2001). The geology of different
regions provided the very material for construction and determined the nature of the
different architectural styles, which is evident in different monuments, constructed out of
different materials styles throughout India.
Any stone can be placed geologically into one of the three groups and have been derived
from igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. The following geological
map of India shows the distribution of different kinds of rocks.

Figure: Geological map of India

18
Igneous stones
The beginning of the architectural developments in igneous stone started with rock-hewn
structures. Among the earliest surviving examples are Ajanta (Gupta Dynasty), the
Mahabalipuam cave temples (Pallava Dynasty), Ellora and Elephanta (Chalukya and
Rashtrakuta Dynasties).
Sedimentary stones
Sandstone was the most popular building stone and the first evidence of the use of
sandstone as a sculptural and architectural medium was found during the Mauryan
Dynasty. Ashokas pillars are famous examples of artistic work in sandstone. It is among the
hilly tracts of Madhya Pradesh, that the majority of the earliest surviving sandstone
architectural monuments are found. Sandstone wonders from the post-Gupta period
survive throughout Northern India and are scattered in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat,
Maharashtra, the whole of Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. A remarkable example is the Sun
temple, Modhera, built in the 11th century. Sandstone continued to remain the preferred
medium of the Muslims, the finest examples being the Qutub Minar, Delhi and Fatehpur
Sikri. Limestone from the Kurnool formation was the most popular
building stone in Andhra Pradesh; the famous example is the Stupa of Amaravati and the
limestone sculptures.

Metamorphic stones
Lime stones, dolmites and marbles of varying compositions were used in northern and
western India in Hindu, and Jain temples and in Mughal monuments. The famous example
is the Dilwara temple, Mount Abu, constructed out of white marble and the exceptional
world wonder the Taj
Mahal at Agra. The Gandhara sculptures of the Kashmir region are made out of blue-gray
Mica Schist. The ferruginous garnetiferous schist known as Khondolite was used extensively
in the monuments of Orissa. The famous example is The Sun Temple, Konarak, located in
one of the world heritage sites. A series of Schist belts is the major feature of Karnataka and
it extends east into the state of Andhra Pradesh. The greenish blue chloritic schist is used
in several monuments in Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur in the state of Karnataka.
The prominent hill ranges in Tamilnadu are made up of granulites. The famous examples
of architecture built with gneisses are the Shore temple at Mahabalipuram built by the
Pallava Dynaysty, the Brahadehswara Temple at Tanjavur built with granulites by the Chola
Dynasty; both are listed as world heritage monuments. Tamilnadu being a granitic region,
there are only
a few monuments made of sandstone primarily built during 674 A.D 800 A.D and the study
focuses on these monuments which have National and Regional importance. The different
varieties of stones used in Indian monuments include granite, schists, gneisses, sandstone,
quartzite, limestone, dolomite, marble, basalt and laterite. Table 2.1 lists the different types
of stone used in Indian monuments (Jain 2003).

19
Table: Types of stone used in Indian monuments
Sl. Types of Names of the Monuments
No stone used
1 Sandstone Red Fort, Agra; Jami masjid, Delhi; Qutub Minar, Delhi;
Fatehpur Sikri; Sun temple, Modhera; Rano-ki-vav, Patan;
Sikandara, Agra; Mathura Sculptures; Lingaraja temple,
Puri; Udayagiri caves; Khandagari caves; Bagh caves;
Portugese ports, Diu; Asoka Pillars, Sanchi; Rajasthan
Havelis; Bibi ka Makbara, Aurangabad; Victory Tower,
Chittorgarh; Sibsagar temple, Assam.
2 Marble Taj Mahal, Agra; Moti Masjid, Agra; Itmad Ud Daulah,
Agra; Jaswand Thada, Jodhpur; Dilwara temples, Mount
Abu; Victoria Memorial, Kolkatta.
3 Granite Brahadehswara Temple, Tanjavur; Thousand pillared
temple, Hanamkonda; Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad;
Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho; Vidan Sauda,
Bangalore.
4 Chorkonite Shore temple, Mahabalipuram; Vivekananda Memorial,
Kanyakumari.
5 Basalt Kailash temple, Ellora; Ajant caves, Elephanta caves
Mumbai; Bhaja caves; Carla caves
6 Khondilite Sun temple, Konark; Puri Temples
7 Laterite Many churches in Goa; Monuments in Kerala
8 Quartzite Almora temples; Qutub Minar, Delhi; Chamba
monuments, Himachal Pradesh
9 Lime stone Dwaraka temple, Monuments at Avantipur, Kashmir
10 Limy-Shale Pushpagiri temples, Cuddapah
11 Soapstone Hoysala temples, Halebid; Chenna Kesava temple, Belur
Source: Jain K.K. (2003), Special volume on Conservation of stone with special
reference to lime stone.

20
Weathering of stone monuments in India
Depending upon the climatic condition of the region where these stones are present,
environmental agencies play a role in their deterioration. However, the extent of decay also
depends on whether the stone is present inside or outside. Usually, the rate of decay is more
outside than inside because of the action of different deteriorating agencies.
The factors responsible for the deterioration of stone in Indian monuments can be broadly
categorized as chemical weathering, physical weathering and biological weathering; they
never affect the monuments in isolation. The common problems faced by Indian stone
monuments (Agarwal 2003) are as follows:
1. Surface erosion As a building is in the open and is exposed to the sun, the rain and the
wind, its exterior surface gets eroded and quite often pitting is formed on it.
2. Effect of sea breeze The monuments located on the coast face this problem. The classic
examples are those of the Shore temple at Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu, Elephanta caves,
mumabi and the Sun temple, Konark, Orissa. Apart from erosion by the sea breeze, the
stone gets saturated with salts on account of salt contained in the air.
3. Exfoliation of stone layers The layers of stone, particularly of the sedimentary rock-
like sandstone separate and split.
4. Formation of cracks Cracks of various dimensions develop in stones of all types. In
the marble of the Taj Mahal, there are cracks all over the surface.
5. Control of micro-organisms India, with a tropical climate, having rainfall and plenty
of moisture, the growth and development of different types of micro-organisms on stone is
very natural. These micro- organisms grow very quickly and cover the surface of the
monuments.
6. In India, there are many statues, which are quite high. Examples are the statue of Bahubali
at Sravana Belegola, the Statue of Bhagvan Adinath at Bawan gaja, and the Statues of the
Jain Thirthankara in Gopanchal in Gwalior. There are also a large number of monolithic
decorative or inscribed pillars; for example, the Jain Manustambh at Kahun in Deoria
district, in Utter Pradesh. There are a large number of Ashoka pillars also. These statues and
pillars suffer from almost the same type of damage and deterioration as found in the
monuments. To reach the top of the statue scaffolding has to be erected, which would
surround the statue on all the sides.
Although several research scholars have worked on weathering of stone monuments in
India, the problems faced by conservation authorities are multifold and therefore research
needs to be intensified.

21
22
5.2 Economic Prospective
Objectives
To examine the facilities provided by the tourists.
To assess the economic impact on local people at destination
Methodology
The present study is based on primary data, Intensive field visits have been conducted for
collecting the primary data through questionnaires. These questionnaires were filled by the
tourists and local people during the holiday, weekend time. After getting the questionnaire,
the measuring the attitude of the tourists and residents has been computed by Seven Point
Likert Scale which is ranging from -3 strongly disagree to +3 strongly agree with 0 (zero)
no response or undecided (-3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3). A questionnaire was designed for the
assessment of economic impacts consists of 9 questions or indicators. The total 50
questionnaire were filled up by them. The response of each questions or indicators was
rated.
Study Region
Elephanta caves are located on Elephanta Island also known as Gharapuri. This island lies
Uran tehsil of Raigad district. It is situated on an arm of the Arabian Sea. Elephanta caves
were declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. Gharapuri is a small village to
the south side of island. This island is about 11 km east of the Apollo Bunder near the
Gateway of India; Mumbai. The Island is 2.4 km in length with two hills that rise to a height
of about 150 meters from MSL. There are three hamlets known as Sheth bunder in the north-
west, Mora bunder in the north-east, and Gharapuri or Raj bunder to the south. Gharapuri
village covers an area of 1. 98 sq.km with population 860 and the whole island covers an
area of about 10 sq. Km. at high tide and about 16 sq km at low tide.
Now these caves are preserved under the supervision by the Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI), Mumbai Circle. Elephanta caves are the architecturally rich with beautiful sculptures
as well as crafts to these caves are the archaeological treasure. The whole complex of these
caves consists of inner hall, grand hall, shrines and courtyards. It has a huge collection of
exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu god and goddess. The Hindu caves contain rock cut
stone sculptures representing the Lord Shiva. The present name of Elephanta is derived
after a colossal statue of Elephanta, which once stood at the Raj Bunder and first discover
by the Portuguese in the 16th century AD. Now this statue has been removed and shifted at
Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, Byculla, Mumbai formerly known as Victoria Garden.

Economic Impact of Tourism

Copper and et al (1999), the economic impact of tourism on a host economy is generally
positive but also carries with it some negative aspects. The literature is biased towards the
positive aspects of economic impacts. It is important to establish how significant tourism
spending is to an economy because this allows policy makers and planners to determine
dependency and to develop strategies for the future.

23
Perception of Residents Response to Economic Impact of Tourism at Elephant Caves
Tourism has major effect on the local economy of destination. Tourism brings foreign
earnings, tax revenue and income of local people, which is beneficial for the development
of tourism at Elephanta caves. The economic impacts of tourism more is known about the
economic benefits of tourism than the associated costs. Tourism can create employment
opportunities, earn foreign exchange, produce return on investment for emerging
economics, bring technology and improve standard of living. Tourism can also help to
generate jobs and increase revenue to local people and shopping facilities. Tourism can
cause major effect on economic of destination area for price of land to rise rapidly.

Economic Impact Indicators

Increase the income of residents, opportunity for shopping, generates jobs, demand for
female labour, increase in general prices of goods and services, increased the number of
hotels / resorts and commercial view of local people are the few indicators that indicate the
economic impact of tourists.

Table 1 reveals that, residents of Elephanta caves felt that the tourist cause the higher effect
on the increase in the income of residents (+2.12), increasing opportunity for shopping
(+2.2), increasing opportunity for jobs (+2.08), increase in general price of goods and
services (+2.04), increase in the number of hotels/ resorts (+1.92) and commercial view point
of local people (+1.76). On the other hand, residents of Elephanta caves have observed and
noted negligible economic impact on the demand for female labour ( -1.8), rental houses as
source of income (-1.92) and scarcity of essential goods during season (-1.98). An Elephanta
cave is an Island and located very close to Mumbai, so that tourists have made maximum
economic impacts of tourism on residents of Sheth Bandar and Mora Bandar.

24
Overall the positive effects help to develop the economy of the region such as increase in
income of the residents, increasing jobs and shopping facilities, but the rate of the effect is
slow. After the completion of Warli to Navha Sheva link sea routes, this destination has
become popular. But during the rainy season all services are stopped. So, it is a seasonal
activity.

6. Factors Affecting the Property

Finally, noted the two major factors responsible for the deterioration of heritage buildings
Natural Factors
Saline activity
General deterioration of rock surface
Earthquakes, Cyclones
Social Factors
The greatest threat to the property comes from development pressures, due to the
fact that the property is located in the middle of Mumbai harbour.
Overly aggressive development of mass tourism facilities on the island.
Population growth in the communitys resident on the island.
Industrial growth of the sea port facilities in the vicinity of the island.
There is no risk preparedness plan for the property, and it is considered beyond the
capacity of the management agency to cope with major disasters such as: terrorist
threats, although these are acknowledged as potential threats to the property.
Vandalism & Dilapidation: Till the time the caves were granted heritage status
hardly any efforts had been initiated to preserve them from dilapidation and save
them from vandals. Approximately 2,000,000 people visit the caves annually from
all over the world to marvel at the fifteen hundred years old master craftsmanship.
However, many visitors also bring plastic bags full of food, garbage, and vandalism.

7. SWOT Analysis
Elephanta caves Heritage could be analyzed for its Strength, Weakness, Opportunities,
Threats as follows
Strength: The strength of Elephanta caves Heritage lies not only in the Beauty / Grandeur
of the Heritage Structures but also in the fact that they are the LIVE Monuments of
Mumbai's glorious past. At present, the city witnesses construction of sky-scrappers
everywhere in Mumbai which is the result of the acute space crunch coupled with the
advanced Construction Technology. However, the Heritage Structures with their charm of
the contemporary beauty & grandeur still enjoy their own prestigious status on the back-
drop of ever increasing skyline of Mumbai. Most of the Heritage Structures are built in
Basalt-stone, Malad-stone, Sandstone, Porbunder-stone, Limestone, Burma Teak-wood etc.
Most of these structures have beautifully designed Burnt-Clay-Tiles which have stood the

25
test of time in the sense that even after 100 years of their construction these structures are
still in very good condition.
Not only that, even today they are found to be adequate to cater for the present needs of
their users which is a tribute to the vision & foresightedness of the Chalukyan Architecture
of those times. These structures add to the beauty of the city and are very precious assets
of Elephanta caves Heritage.
Weakness: The weakness of Elephanta caves Heritage lies in the fact that most of the
Mumbai Heritage Structures including Elephanta caves have not been maintained properly
and in the absence of any Protective Law till 1995, a lot of incongruous interventions have
been done in these structures. As a result, these structures have suffered badly and are
presently in need of immediate attention for comprehensive and careful repairs restoration.
Moreover, the new development taking place abutting any Heritage Site is planned without
any co-relation.
Most of the Heritage Structures / Precincts in Mumbai are owned by Public Authorities like
the Central / State Governments /MCGM etc. and these Authorities do not have adequate
funds & in-house expertise to undertake the Heritage Conservation works. This jeopardizes
the kind of attention the Heritage Conservation works do actually merit.

Opportunities: In the rapidly growing Mumbai city, it is indeed a challenge to preserve &
protect its Heritage without coming in way of the city's development. This calls for evolving
evolve specific schemes by which the city's Heritage Structures and the modem
constructions can harmoniously co-exist and compliment mutually. This is a unique
challenge as the city has not segregated Heritage Zones and Non-Heritage Zones. In other
words, the modern construction is bound to take place even in the vicinity of the existing
Heritage Structures. It would thus be necessary to ensure that architectural design of the
new development near the Heritage Structures compliments the contemporary
architectural design of the Heritage structure. The Heritage Conservation drive in Mumbai
can provide the big opportunity not only to restore the original beauty / grandeur of the
Heritage Structures / Precincts but also to suitably spruce up / beautify the surrounding
areas so that all the Heritage Sites and the surrounding areas become clean & attractive.

Threats: But for the enactment of the Heritage Conservation Act 1995, the City's Heritage
Structures / Precincts would have been under the constant threat of destruction / extinction
especially with the new developmental works which are being taken up to cope with
Mumbais ever-growing demands. Moreover, the Heritage Conservation Activity by and
large not been able to be accorded the priority status it deserves because of the many other
overbearing priority works like Housing / Water-Supply & Sewerage Roads Storm-Water
Drains ' Slum Improvement etc.

26
8. Key Issues and Strategy Options/Plans
Key issues plaguing the sector include lack of an appropriate framework and allocation of
funds. Besides these, the assets being under the ownership of different public agencies
outside the control of the state government or local government are hindrance to
maintenance or restoration, as it involves dealing with various authorities.
Lack of regulation of maintenance of such structures has also resulted in an obvious lack of
effort for their management or identification of budgets for the same.

Key Issues Strategy Options / Plans

Lack of Attention/Focus Implementation of the Heritage Conservation Act and
earmarking of funds in budgets

Lack of dedicated budgets for Identification of and implementation of a suitable framework

maintenance and restoration and vehicle for channelizing/ pooling funds for maintenance
and restoration

Diverse Ownership Creation of a suitable umbrella framework for bringing together

heritage properties for restoration and regulation

9. Financial Situation
Current levels of funding are considered adequate to maintain and manage the
property. Recently, the chief minister of Maharashtra government has sanctioned
INR 330 crores which is an amount of 99.87 crore from MTDC (Maharashtra
Tourism Development Corporation) and 251.50 crores raised through PPP (Public
private partnership) to give Elephanta Caves a major facelift.
International Assistance from WHF: none.

27
28
10. Present State of Conservation
Recent conservation work has been undertaken to stabilize the rock face, and to
support the cave structures where pillars had fallen. The cave floors have also been
consolidated.
The parapet wall surrounding the site has been repaired. Visitor facilities at the site
have recently been upgraded, including toilet facilities, construction of railings,
pathways and a flight of steps leading to the caves from the jetty.
The on-site custodians facilities have been upgraded and a building converted into an
on-site museum.
A conservation plan exists. The present state of conservation is considered good.
Counteractive Plans
To deal with urgent contingencies, communication and collaboration between the ASI,
on-site staff and other responsible government departments is sought.
Public information and awareness raising campaigns are envisaged to lessen the impact
of mass tourism on the island.
Monitoring of the environmental impact of tourists on the cave and island
environments is also foreseen.
Increased maintenance of the rock to prevent water leakages into the caves is also
foreseen.
However, at the present time the state of conservation of the site is considered
satisfactory with the most serious threats under control and decreasing.

11. Recommended Actions

Since the Elephanta caves has been recognised as world heritage status N0.244, 1987,
Undoubtedly the conservation has been taking in technical perspective way in incredible
manner. The further recommendation shall be needed to enhance the Aesthetic value of
caves and local development of three village community of around 1200 inhabitants. In this
section, the recommended action focuses on economic growth of the site and proximity by
proposing a plan called as Bigger plan and notify the Risk factors and remedies for same.

11.1 Business Plan A Bigger Plan

Mission Statement
To achieve a long term and sustainable means of generating income for the Elephanta caves
through the offering of authentic and educational activities and services in a controlled, low
impact, and high-quality manner to international and domestic tourists, so that traditional
culture and nature is conserved, local people are educated and trained, and their standard
of living is raised.
Objectives
To promote cultural heritage for the future of the people living around the
Elephanta caves.

29
 To explore and demonstrate the economic value of Elephanta natural volcanic and
cultural heritage.
To combat poverty and unemployment.
To empower the three-village community who residing around the island for
informed decision-making.
To provide skills training for increased job security and opportunity

Source of Finance
Current levels of funding are considered adequate to maintain and manage the property.
Recently, the chief minister of Maharashtra government has sanctioned INR 330 crores
which is an amount of 99.87 crore from MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development
Corporation) and 251.50 crores raised through PPP (Public private partnership) to give
Elephanta Caves a major facelift and additional public funding (philanthropists) can be
raised through displaying hoardings at site and entire city.
Measures to Increase Permanence: Here PPC (Preventive and planned Conservation)
technique has provided which is described in Cultural Heritage law, Italy enforced in 2004,
as a coherent, planned activity of study, prevention, maintenance, Restoration. To way to
give coherence to the four phases to implement at any time the same vision which is long
term vision.
PPC introduce many themes like as following
Long term vision
Care
Understanding
Technologies and ICTs
Knowledge
Integration, cooperation and participation at regional level
Experts from various fields: Interaction Design, Exhibition Design, Sculptors, Theatre
artists, Architects
DESIGN: While designing the following factors must be considered
Information
Play
Entertainment
Design outputs
Accommodation for visitors to stay overnight
Water sports
Helipad
Sound and Light Show
Hologram projections
Screening Movie on the boat journey to the caves.
Interactive Cave Museum
Interactive Room
Static media on location

30
 Website
Interactive media
An App
Booklets, leaflets
There is a need to better manage mass domestic tourism at the site, in particular
through better information.
There is a need to introduce modern techniques of archaeological site conservation
and management, and to train on-site staff in their application.
There is a need of co-ordination with other government agencies to plan for the
eventuality of a major natural or human disaster at the site, and to master possible
consequences.

Based on design outputs by view of considering integration of various fields, the

following business pan has been developed which is called A Bigger Plan. This plan
contains adequate physical provisions to make present generations understanding the
heritage value, cultural heritage into economic enhancement through increasing
employment.

31
A bigger plan
A. At the entrance
Branding/Recognition
Adds value
Experience
B. At ticket Counter
Precise information on the panel
Installation of map on the place
Main junction for all the activities
C. Panels or scaffoldings along the way
Information
Indian mythology
Creates interest
Helping in understanding the caves
D. Playable sculpture for kids
Play and learning
Unlike any other playable structure
Look forward next visit
E. Plan of the caves/ Before entering the cave
Installed on location- both geometry of the location and top view model
F. Artefact zone- Responsible towards Heritage
Broken sculptures- Importance
Adds value
Alertness- every place is beauty

11.2 Risk Analysis vs Remedies

I. Terrorist attack and increasing Security

26/11 attacks: 10 terrorists, arrived in Mumbai on the night of November 26,2008, from
Karachi by sea, targeted several high-profile locations in Mumbai, including the landmark
Taj Hotel at the Gateway, the Oberoi Trident at Nariman Point, Leopold Caf, and
Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - killing up to 166 people, and leaving 300 injured. Up to 26
foreign nationals were among those killed by the terrorists. So, there is possibility of
attacking Elephanta caves during the night, if night stay can be implemented and
due proximity of BARC (Baba atomic research center).
High profile security is needed to protect Heritage and night stay tourists from terrorism
through Better Intelligence services and Protection of land and sea borders to prevent
infiltration of terrorists into India.

32
 II. Environmental Considerations During pre-and post-construction:
All efforts possible will be made to ensure the ecological integrity of the site and that the
area as a whole will not be compromised by the business activities. Buildings will be
constructed taking into account the natural wind, shade, gravity, water sources and
vegetation of the area. During construction, local labor and materials will be used as much
as possible. Builders waste will be collected immediately by laborers. Materials will be
stored in locations that will become a building or part of a building. Transport to and from
the site will be minimized and will use predetermined circulation routes to reduce
disruption from movement of materials. Transport vehicles will be required to use four-
wheel drive and to drive responsible, staying on these designated tracks to minimize
damage to the surrounding vegetation and disposed of by boats away of the Island or sea,
which should not dump into the sea.

III. Vegetation
Fruit and organic waste will be stored and disposed of in bird and baboons/monkeys proof
pits where plenty of Fauna living around the Island. Veld or any fires will be discouraging
through environmental education and ecotourism training provided to the Elephanta
community, which may lead to forest fires. Fires will be closely monitored and suppressed
in the area surrounding the Elephanta Island. Cattle grazing will not be permitted in the
area designated.

IV. Sewage
All sewage will be passed through disposable calcemite septic tanks. Guests will be informed
that a septic system is installed and that alternative disposal bins are provided for sanitary
products, etc.

V. Waste Prevention
Three strategies will be used to minimize the amount of waste purchased and used by the
facility and brought in by visitors, including:
Using products that minimize waste and are nontoxic.
Composting or anaerobically digesting biodegradable wastes (especially Plastic
carry bags).
Reusing materials onsite or collecting suitable materials for offsite recycling.

VI. Environmental Education

Environmental Education and natural resource management is ongoing and will continue
to be provided to community members working and living near the Island, and for tourists
coming to the area. Training workshops are provided by Conservation International or
Archaeology survey of India (ASI) and MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development
corporation). Educational pamphlets will be provided to visitors educating them on the
natural environment, energy conserving techniques, and waste disposal methods.

33
VII. Environmental Responsibility of Staff
Managers and staff will be educated on company policies dedicated to preventing negative
impacts on the environment and will be monitored to ensure that these policies are carried
out. For example, wasteful cleaning practices will be minimized by educating the
housekeeping staff (i.e. do not leave till dust bins with overflowing, proper waste collection
etc.).

11.3 Monitoring
The monitoring of the property is carried out periodically by the administrative set up of
Archaeological Survey of India through its various branches like Conservation, Science and
Horticulture.

Monitoring Arrangements
There is daily monitoring of both structural and chemical conservation of the site by the
on-site staff
Monitoring Indicators
Monitoring indicators used included:
(i) visual inspection (for cracks, rock fall, etc.);
(ii) monitoring of relative humidity inside and outside of the caves;
(iii) monitoring of the air pollution levels on the island
(iv) monitoring of temperature variations between the interior and exterior of the
caves;
(v) monitoring of rainfall during monsoon.
According to ASI (Archaeological survey of India), the daily monitoring report shall be
maintained and documented.

34
12. Conclusion
Technical prospective: India is a country with a rich architectural heritage and the
number of monuments and their scale are very large. The management of these monuments
by a few Government and Non-Government organizations is a herculean task. Besides, in
the state of Maharashtra there is no legal mechanism to realize conservation of monuments.
The research base to execute conservation of monuments in the field is also in the nascent
stage and a data base for implementing conservation works is absent in most cases.
Although the works on stone conservation can be accessed from journals and conference
proceedings there is no organization or research group which has all the records on stone
conservation so far done in India.
Therefore, there is a need to develop basic research to provide a database for the
conservation of monuments. This study covers one aspect of conservation, namely,
providing the database for the preservation and of Basalt monuments in Elaphanta caves,
Mumbai by trying to understand the stone, its nature, the mechanism of the decay of stone
and its preservation and conservation.
Economical Prospective: Elephanta caves were declared as World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1987. The main attraction of Elephanta Cave is Trimurti. These three heads
show different aspects of Shiva. Domestic as well as foreign tourists were frequently visited
on Elephanta caves for seeing the sculpture of Trimurti. These hills are covered by the
forests. Elephanta Island is great attractions; tourists are come from Mumbai, Thane, Pune
and adjoining regions. But lack of infrastructural facilities, tourists do not prefer to stay on
island. Large numbers of tourists visit on holiday, weekend time. The experience of ferry
boat is also attraction of the tourist. It is found that income of residents, increasing
opportunity for shopping, increasing opportunity for job, increase in general price of goods
and services, increase in the number of hotels/ resorts, commercial view point of local
people has increased. But due do physical setting, there is limited scope for the development
of infrastructural facilities. But accommodation, ferry transport and ancillary services are
basic tourism products should be developed for better economic impacts on the residents
which can be benefited for local people.

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13. References
Bibliography
Price (1996), Stone conservation
Winkler (1994), Stone in Architecture Properties, Durability
Conservation of Stone Objects (2003), edited by Jeyaraj
Kumar (2001), Conservation of Building Stones
CONSERVATION PLAN, 7th Edition, JAMES SEMPLE KERR

Sitography
https://www.wikipedia.org
http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/As/India/Maharashtra/Elephanta.htm
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/244
https://www.ijser.org/

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