Chalukyan sculptures found in Badami

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Hubli: Rare sculptures dating back to the Chalukya dynasty found in cave in the historic town of Badami in Bagalkot district are evoking a lot of interest among tourists and experts alike. Impressed historians are demanding preservation of the  sculptures  found on a hillock nearly half-a-kilometre from  the existing four Badami caves. 
 
As many as 27 incarnations of God Vishnu have been sculpted in the cave, besides the images of various birds and animals.  It is believed that several sages  lived in the area in the 6th and 7th centuries and the then rulers carved these sculptures to create a congenial environment for them to meditate it in.  The venue has earned the name Arali Theertha as it is home to a small pond built for the sages.
 
But as the site is in a state of neglect, historians are demanding that the authorities provide basic amenities, including proper roads around it. 
 
“The new cave and sculptures have not been mentioned in the book by research scholar George Michell or the Bagalkot gazetteers. The details of the site are also not found in the research book of any international historian. So the Archaeological Survey of India needs to creat awareness about the cave temple to attract more tourists,”  says assistant director, information department, Majunath Sullolli Sullolli who has done research on the many historical monuments of Bijapur and Bagalkot districts.