Abodes of virtues now tarnished with vices

Rajkot: Centuries ago, they were the abodes of Buddhist monks who practised and preached noble values. Today, these 60 Buddhist caves in Gir-Somnath district, are flourishing dens of vices like liquor and gambling.
Despite being in the list of state protected monuments for the last seven decades, these caves located on a Shana hill top in Shana Vankiya village of Gir-Gadhada taluka, are crying for restoration.
History lovers visiting these caves are aghast to stumble upon liquor bottles, walls stained with paan spits and condoms too.
The structures consist of stupas and chaityas and some are dome shaped. It’s believed that these caves were built in the 2nd century BC and there is historical evidence that around 10,000 Buddhist monks were staying here.
Shilpa Jogadiya, pracharak of Mission Jai Bhim and Samta Sainik Dal, which promotes Buddhism has written to the directorate of archeology and museum to take urgent steps for restoration of these dilapidated structures.
“The teachings of Buddhist monks can be seen in these caves. These can be developed as a major heritage tourist centre that can beckon historians and researchers too,” said Jogadiya.
She has also demanded installation of CCTVs to keep anti-social elements using these caves for unscrupulous activities at bay.
The followers of Buddhism have also demanded signboards on highways as this place is located in a remote place.
Devsi Mahida, chairman of social justice committee of Shana Vankiya gram panchayat said “These caves are our heritage. But their condition is pathetic. No officer of the archaeology department visits here and nobody is maintaining this place.”
When contacted, Pankaj Sharma, director of archaeology and museum department, refused to comment saying that he has not gone through the representation.