Rock-cut caves at Guntupalli

VIJAYAWADA: This year's World Heritage Week would bring into focus the famed second century rock-cut caves at గుంటుపల్లి (Guntupalli) in జీలకర్రగుడెం (Jeelakarragudem) village of Kamavarapukota in West Godavari district.

A slew of programmes would be organised from November 19 to November 25. Termed 'Ajanta of Andhra Pradesh', the Guntupalli caves are ensconced on a horse shoe-shaped hillock, which is part of the Eastern Ghats.

Like the Ajanta caves, the caves are half-globularly excavated and have stone rafters. The unique feature of the cave is the rock-cut stupa and the hut-shaped ceiling. Besides, there are several cellars, where the Buddhist monks of yore performed penance.

"These caves are also very much similar to the Lomas Rishi caves on Barbar hillocks in Bihar. Guntupalli is one of the most famous Buddhist sites," said Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) superintending archaeologist (Andhra circle) D Jitendra Das.

The aim of the heritage week would be to create awareness on the archaeological heritage of the country and the need to protect and preserve it, he added. During this week, ASI staff will explain about the importance of the rock-cut caves to the visitors.

Courtesy: NewIndPress