Kamal Guha at 02:26, 24 November 2023

2023-11-24T02:26:16Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2019}}
{{short description|Caves and archaeological site in India}}
{{Infobox ancient site
| name = Belum Caves
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| image = Outside_Of_Belum_Caves.jpg
| alt = Entrance to Belum Caves
| caption = Outside of Belum Caves
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| map_type = India#India Andhra Pradesh
| map_alt = Location of Belum Caves
| map_caption = location in India
| map_size =
{{coord|15|6|15|N|78|7|50|E|display=inline,title}}
| location = Belum Village in [[Kolimigundla]] Mandal of [[Kurnool District]]
| region = [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]]
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[[File:Belum 11.jpg|thumb|a Buddha statue near the caves]]
[[File:Belumcave1.jpg|thumb|Meditation Hall inside Belum Caves]]
[[File:Saint Bed.jpg|thumb|Saint Bed inside Belum Caves]]
[[File:Visitor in belum caves.jpg|thumb|A Visitor inside the Belum cave]]
[[File:Deep passages in side cave.jpg|thumb|Deep passages inside Belum cave]]
[[File:Andhracoides gebaueri.tif|thumb|Second Indian hypogean species of the genus ''Andhracoides'' named ''Andhracoides gebaueri''
found in the caves by Shabuddin Shaik]]
[[File:BanyanTreeinBelum.jpg|thumb|Banyan Tree formation inside Belum Caves]]
The '''Belum Caves''' is the largest and longest cave system open to the public on the [[Indian subcontinent]], known for its [[speleothems]], such as [[stalactite]] and [[stalagmite]] formations. The Belum Caves have long passages, galleries, spacious caverns with fresh water and siphons. This cave system was formed over the course of tens of thousands of years by the constant flow of underground water from the now-disappeared river Chitravathi. The cave system reaches its deepest point ( {{convert|46|m|ft|abbr=on}} from entrance level) at the point known as ''Pataalaganga''.<ref name="Dec">{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jan272008/sundayherald2008012648758.asp |title=Underground adventure in Belum caves|date=27 January 2008|work=Deccan Herald |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080602003524/http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jan272008/sundayherald2008012648758.asp |archive-date = 2 June 2008}}</ref> In [[Telugu language]], it is called '' Belum Guhalu''. Belum Caves have a length of {{convert|3229|m|ft|1|abbr=on}}, making them the second largest caves on the Indian Subcontinent after the [[Krem Liat Prah]] caves in [[Meghalaya]]. It is one of the centrally protected [[Monuments of National Importance]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Centrally Protected Monuments|url=http://asihyd.ap.nic.in/monuments.html|website=Archeological Survey of India|access-date=27 May 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626104454/http://asihyd.ap.nic.in/monuments.html|archive-date=2017-06-26|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Belum came to scientific attention in 1884 by a British surveyor, [[Robert Bruce Foote]] and from 1982 to 1984, a team of German [[speleology|speleologists]] headed by H. Daniel Gebauer conducted a detailed exploration of the caves. Thereafter in 1988, the [[Government of Andhra Pradesh|state government]] declared the site protected, and [[Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation]] ([[APTDC]]) developed the caves as a tourist attraction in February 2002. Today, {{convert|3.5|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} of the caves have been successfully explored, though only {{convert|1.5|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} is accessible to visitors.<ref name="Dec"/> There are 16 different pathways, including the main entrance and there are deposits of [[quartz]] in the caves. The caves consist of black [[limestone]].

== The site ==
The Belum Caves are located near Belum Village in [[Kolimigundla]] Mandal of [[Kurnool District]] in the state of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. Kolimigundla is situated {{convert|3|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} from Belum Caves.<ref>Reddy, K. Thimma (1976) [http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle/10125/19200/AP-v20n2-206-227.pdf?sequence=1 Billasurgam: An Upper Palaeolithic Cave Site in South India]</ref> The caves are an {{convert|8|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} drive from Petnikota village.

Belum is part of a larger complex of caves carved out of the limestone deposits in the ''Erramalai'' region. Other caves include the Billasurgam caves, Sanyasula caves, Yaganti caves, Yerrajari caves, and the Muchchatla Chintamanu caves (caves are called ''gavi'' in the local language).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/beyond-kerala/2018/08/30/real-location-bloody-feud-rakta-charitra.html|title=Real location of the bloody feud in 'Rakta Charitra'|work=OnManorama|access-date=2018-08-31}}</ref>

== Discovery ==
Even though the ''Belum Caves'' were known to local people, the first records of site come from the expedition report of British geologist and archaeologist [[Robert Bruce Foote]], in 1884. Thereafter, the Belum Caves remained unnoticed for almost a century until a German team headed by Herbert Daniel Gebauer conducted detailed exploration of the caves in 1982 and 1983. The German expedition was assisted by Mr Bacham Chalapathi Reddy (retd. Deputy superintendent of police), Mr Pothireddy Rama Subba Reddy (retd. Headmaster), Mr Ramaswami Reddy, Mr Boyu Madduleti, Mr K. Padmanabhaiah, Mr K. Chinnaiah and Mr A. Sunkanna.<ref>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/05/01/stories/2002050102240200.htm] The Hindu Business Line : Belum caves on the tourist map</ref>
* 4,500 BC remnants of vessels of that age were found in the caves.
* Occupied by [[Jain]] and [[Buddhist]] monks, over two thousands years ago
* 1884 existence of the caves recorded by the British geologist and archaeologist Mr [[Robert Bruce Foote]].
* 1982 explored by the German Herbert Daniel Gebauer.
* 1983 explored by the German Herbert Daniel Gebauer.
* 1988 declared protected by the [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]].
* 1999 development of the cave by [[Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation]] started.
* FEB-2002 cave opened to the public.
* JUL-2002 Musical chamber discovered.
* JAN 2013 A new cavernicolous (inhabiting caves) Isopod species discovered, named ''Andhracoides gebaueri''

== Historical importance ==
Belum Caves are geologically and historically important caves. There are indications that [[Jainism|Jains]] and [[Buddhist]]s monks occupied these caves centuries ago. Many [[Buddhist]]s relics were found inside the caves. These relics are now housed in Museum at [[Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh|Ananthapur]].

Archaeological survey of India (ASI) also found remnants of vessels of the pre-Buddhist era and dated the remnants of these objects to 4500 years BCE.<ref name=show>[http://www.showcaves.com/english/in/showcaves/Belum.html] Show Caves of India: Belum Caves</ref>

== Biological importance ==

A new and second Indian cavernicolous (inhabiting caves) species of the genus ''Andhracoides'' was discovered in the Pataalaganga chamber. The organism is named ''Andhracoides gebaueri'' in honor of Herbert Daniel Gebauer who documented and mapped the complete cave <ref>[http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/1937240x-00002333] new species</ref>

== Development ==
The caves were being used to dump wastes from nearby places until 1988. Local people of nearby settlements, notably Policemen and residents of Belum Village co-operated with the Government of [[Andhra Pradesh]] and developed the cave site as a tourist attraction. Finally, their almost two-decade long efforts resulted in the Government of [[Andhra Pradesh]] declaring the entire area to be a protected zone. Finally, in 1999, the [[Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation]] took over the task of beautifying and maintaining the caves. The [[Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation|APTDC]] who has since been in charge of management, sanctioned Rs. 7,5 million to develop the caves.<ref name=show /> The [[Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation|APTDC]] has also developed the pathways of around {{convert|2|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} length in and outside of the caves, provided illumination and has created fresh-air-shafts at the site. Inside the cave, APTDC has installed bridges and staircases, and a canteen, bathrooms and toilet facilities at the entry point. APTDC also has built a Haritha Hotel for accommodation in the vicinity.

There is a sizeable [[Buddha]] statue near on a hillock near the caves. One of the caverns at Belum is known as the "Meditation Hall", which was used by Buddhist monks. Relics of the Buddhist period were found here. These relics are now housed in a museum in [[Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh|Ananthapur]].

== Entry ==
[[File:Map of Belum Caves.JPG|thumb|Map of Belum Caves engraved on a Board near entrance]]
Indian tourists are charged an amount of Rs. 65 for entry, while foreign tourists are charged Rs. 300. At the entrance, there is an electronic [[cave gate]]. A metal staircase leads down into the cave.

The entrance pit was originally smaller than what one sees today. It was broadened to fit the staircase, to allow visitors to descend and ascend easily.

The entrance is like that of a [[Pit Cave]]. From the ground you can only see two pits side by side and a third pit a little further away. After descending around 20 meters by the stairs from the entrance, the caves become horizontal. The first section one enters is called the ''Gebauer Hall'', named after the speleologist, H. Daniel Gebauer, who had explored and mapped the caves in 1982-1983. The path to ''Gebauer Hall'' leads to the second opening, which lies next to the main entrance.

== Main Sections of Belum Caves ==
[[File:MeditationHallinsideBelumCave.jpg|right|thumb|Meditation Hall inside Belum Caves]]
* Simhadwaram – simhadwaram means lion's gate. It is a natural arch of stalactites formed in the shape of a lion's head;
* Kotilingalu Chamber – This section contains stalactite formations which are akin to Shiva lingams. This section has thousands of such stalactite giving it a surrealistic look. It has one huge pillar formed due to stalactite and stalagmite joining together.
* Patalaganga – It is a small perennial stream which disappears into the depths of the earth. This stream flows from the southeast to northwest. It disappears and is believed to be heading towards a well at the Belum village, located 2 km away from the caves.
* Saptasvarala Guha or Musical Chamber – Saptasvarala Guha means chamber of seven notes. The stalactite formations in this chamber reproduce musical sounds when these are struck with a wooden stick or knuckles. This section was opened to the public in 2006.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080117064904/http://www.educationworldonline.net/eduworld/article.php?article_id=756&choice=prev_art&issueid=48 Educationworldonline.net]</ref>
* Dhyan Mandir or Meditation Hall – This section is near to the entrance. An interesting formation at Meditation hall looks like a bed with pillow to recline. The local legend has it that in ancient times many sages used to live here. This section was used by Buddhist Monks. Many relics of Buddhist period were found here which are now housed in museum at [[Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh|Ananthapur]].
* Thousand Hoods – This section has amazing stalactite formations shaped like hood of [[Cobra]]. The stalactite formations on the ceiling looks as if thousands of cobras have opened their hoods.
* Banyan Tree Hall – This section has a huge pillar with stalactites hanging from the ceiling. This gives a look of Banyan Tree with its aerial roots when seen from below. The locals call it "Voodalamari" since it looks like a Banyan Tree with its aerial roots hanging from the branches.
* Mandapam – This is a huge area inside the cave with magnificent stalactite structures on the sides giving it a look of a hall with pillars.

== Awards to APTDC for Belum Caves ==
* In, 2003, APTDC won the prestigious "National Tourism Awards" instituted by Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, for its initiatives in developing and promoting Belum Caves.
* Belum caves was also adjudged the best destination award 2002 at the Tourism and Travel Fair held in Bangalore in 2002.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/34710179.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Belum caves bag prestigious award | date=18 January 2003}}</ref>

== Access ==
The nearest railhead to reach Belum Caves is [[Tadipatri]], {{convert|30|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} away. There are daily trains from Delhi, [[Mumbai]], [[Chennai]], Hyderabad, Tirupati, Kanyakumari, [[Thiruvananthapuram]], Coimbatore and Goa which halt at Tadipatri railway station. From [[Tadipatri]], one can take a bus to the Belum Caves.

== Gallery ==

<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="160">
Image:Belum Caves.jpg|Interiors
Image:Belum1000hoods.jpg|Ceiling of Hall of Thousand Hoods
Image:Belumsaptasuraguha.jpg|Man striking stalactite formation to produce musical notes.
Image:Belumpassage.jpg|Passage inside the Caves
Image:Belum-visitors.jpg|Visitors inside the Caves
Image:Outside_Of_Belum_Caves.jpg| Outside view of Belum Caves
Image:Narrow_Passage_Through_Belum_Caves1.jpg|Narrow Passage Through Belum Caves
Image:Narrow_Passage_Through_Belum_Caves.jpg|Narrow Passage Through Belum Caves
Image:Ceiling_of_Belum_Caves.jpg|Ceiling of Belum Caves
Image:Belum_07.jpg|interiors
Image:Belum_08.jpg|Rock Carving
Image:Belum_09.jpg|Ancient sculpture
Image:Belum_10.jpg|Rock Carving
Image:Belum 11.jpg|Budha Statue
Image:Belum_12.jpg|Ceiling of Belum Caves
Image:Belum_13.jpg|Passage in the cave
Image:Belum_14.jpg|Passage in the cave
Image:Belum_15.jpg|Evening in Belum
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[List of India cave temples]]
* [[Cave research in India]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==

* A new species of Andhracoides Wilson and Ranga Reddy, 2011 (Isopoda: Hypsimetopidae) from Belum Cave, Andhra Pradesh, India, with a phylogenetic review of the family by George D. F. Wilson, Shabuddin Shaik and Yenumula Ranga Reddy Source: Journal of Crustacean Biology, Volume 35, Issue 2, pages 216 – 240 Publication Year : 2015, DOI: 10.1163/1937240X-00002333, {{ISSN|0278-0372}}, E-ISSN 1937-240X, Document Type: Research Article. http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/1937240x-00002333



== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage}}
{{Commons category|Belum Caves}}
* [http://www.belumcaves.com/ www.BelumCaves.com ] Website
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080602003524/http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jan272008/sundayherald2008012648758.asp Deccan Herald - Underground adventure in Belum caves]
* [http://www.telegraphindia.com/1051029/asp/weekend/story_5387056.asp The Telegraph - Calcutta : Weekend]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060818112024/http://www.cave-biology.org/ cave-biology.org] Cave biology (biospeleology) in India.

{{Navbox prehistoric caves}}
{{Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh}}
{{Indian Buddhist Caves}}
{{Jain Caves in India}}

[[Category:Caves of Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Show caves in India]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kurnool district]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Buddhist caves in India]]
[[Category:Indian rock-cut architecture]]
[[Category:Caves containing pictograms in India]]
[[Category:Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Jain rock-cut architecture]]
[[Category:Geography of Kurnool district]]

Belum Caves - Revision history

Kamal Guha at 02:26, 24 November 2023