Geological dimension of the cultural heritage: A case example of the Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra, India)

The Ajanta Caves offer significant geological heritage value through four key features: the artificial caves themselves, which showcase historical human geological activity; end-Cretaceous flood basalts that illustrate the emplacement of a Large Igneous Province and its associated palaeoenvironmental catastrophe; the unique landform created by the Waghora River's erosion of hard rocks; and rockfall hazards linked to cave construction and maintenance. Despite their potential for geotourism, the Ajanta Caves currently lack geological information in online resources, hindering their development as a geotourism destination. This study highlights the untapped opportunities for geotourism at cultural sites with high visitor numbers, emphasizing the importance of integrating geological heritage into conservation and tourism strategies.

Gontareva, E. F., Ansari, M. K., Ruban, D. A., Ahmad, M., & Singh, T. N. (2015). Geological dimension of the cultural heritage: A case example of the Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra, India). Cadernos Do Laboratorio Xeolóxico de Laxe. Revista de Xeoloxía Galega E Do Hercínico Peninsular, 38, 67–77. https://doi.org/10.17979/cadlaxe.2015.38.0.3683