After taking permission from the Archaeological Survey of India in 2016, during the first year of research, the students found a few structures that point to the existence of caves from early medieval times in the Chafe Galli area of Chunabhatti.
During a project undertaken to explore historical structures in the city, archaeology students from various colleges in Mumbai stumbled upon a few ancient structures that hinted at the existence of caves in Sion and Chunabhatti. A fortnight later, another group of students is set to take the project forward by undertaking a full-scale exploration to unearth caves with archaeological significance in these areas.
Acting on his childhood memories of seeing a temple on a carved structure near Sion, archaeologist and researcher Vinayak Parab gave a group of students the task of exploring the area to unearth ancient idols or structures that could turn the spotlight on caves in Sion and Chunabhatti.
After taking permission from the Archaeological Survey of India in 2016, during the first year of research, the students found a few structures that point to the existence of caves from early medieval times in the Chafe Galli area of Chunabhatti.
"During my childhood, I remember seeing a temple atop an ancient structure that had been covered up with tiles. Till date, these caves have not been unearthed in these areas. This will be the second year of the exploration.
During the first year, we found out about these structures. By taking permission from ASI, during the second year of research, we will be exploring the area further find the remains of the caves or structures. We are yet to confirm the exact period of the structures. We will initiate talks with experts, and will also take them to the site for iconography," said Parab.
So far, of the two fragments found, one was found below the Gavdevi Shitala Devi temple in Sion and another was found behind a wall in Chafe Galli.
According to Parab, further exploration by the students will begin by the second week of January. "We have got the necessary permission. We will meet soon to plan the research work before initiating ground work," said Parab.
Talking about the difficulties faced in unearthing ancient structures, and conducting research, Parab added, "We studied the findings in Sion, Chunabhatti and Vikroli during the first year of research. The residents, especially tribals, do not part with information easily because they fear development. After informing these tribals about our mission, they begin to tell us stories about ancient structures."
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