Situated in Aurangabad district, Ajanta Caves are among the first to be put on the World Heritage Sites in India list in 1983.
Colonel Martin Smith, a direct descendent of Captain John Smith who re-discovered the Ajanta Caves way back in the summer of April 1819, will be visiting the iconic tourist place on Friday.
Situated in Aurangabad district, Ajanta Caves are among the first to be put on the World Heritage Sites in India list in 1983.
According to state tourism department officials, who will be hosting Smith during his stay in Maharashtra, there are a number of Buddhist caves (about 800 of them) spread across various districts, but, of these, the 29 at Ajanta stand out and attract tourists in large numbers because of their architectural splendour, Buddhist legacy and artistic masterpieces, including Jatakas painted on the walls of chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas(residential cells).
The caves include paintings and sculptures described by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as "the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting" and these are representative of Buddhist religious art with figures of the Buddha and depictions of the Jataka tales.
State principal secretary (tourism and culture) Valsa Nair-Singh said, "We are delighted to have this opportunity to host Colonel Martin Smith. Maharashtra's tourism portfolio is rich, varied and enticing and Ajanta is one of the shiniest gems in its crown. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is keen on ensuring a memorable visit for Colonel Martin Smith as he traces his roots and his ancestor's steps which led to the re-discovery of the majestic caves."
According to officials, Smith will be given a traditional welcome at the Ajanta Cavesview from where his great great grandfather Captain John Smith of the Madras Light Infantry of the East India Company, sighted a tiger while on a hunting party. The Cavesview is a destination under the control of the MTDC and gives a panoramic view of the horseshoe shaped valley beneath. Captain John Smith glanced at the 'Gawaksha' of Cave 10, which was lost to debris, and ordered removal of the foliage covering the caves, giving us the treasure we have today.
The ASI have also planned a special welcome for Smith at Cave 10.
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