Ajanta Caves: Delegation of Envoys From 30+ Countries Visits World-Famous Site

Aurangabad:
The world-renowned Ajanta Caves witnessed extraordinary security arrangements this weekend as a delegation of cultural ambassadors from over 30 countries visited the ancient site on Sunday (Nov 23).
Seeing the high-profile nature of the visit, the police administration turned the entire Ajanta–Fardapur area into a high-security zone from Saturday itself.

244 Police Personnel Deployed

A massive police force—including 27 police officers, 146 constables, and 41 women police personnel—was deployed across key points such as:

Fardapur–Ajanta Caves T-Point

Main cave complexes

Parking zones

Viewpoints

Security was continuously monitored from the CCTV control rooms at Ajanta Caves and Fardapur Police Station. Additional teams including:

Quick Response Team (QRT)

Bomb Detection & Disposal Squad

Two fire brigade units

Three ambulances with medical teams

were stationed to ensure complete safety.

Archaeology, Tourism & Forest Departments Coordinated

Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), Forest Department, and Mahavitaran were also present to handle visitor arrangements and facilitate the delegation.

Delegation Explored Key Caves

The delegation arrived at Ajanta at around 11 AM and was divided into three groups for guided exploration.
They visited major caves: 1, 2, 9, 10, 16, 17, 19, and 26, renowned for their ancient paintings and sculptures.

Guides explained:

Buddhist art and iconography

Jataka tales depicted on cave walls

Life episodes of Lord Buddha

Ancient social structure, trade practices, and royal courts

Environmental significance of the Ajanta valley

The envoys were deeply impressed by the 2,200-year-old murals and intricate carvings.

No Inconvenience to Tourists

Despite the high-security presence, regular tourists faced no difficulties. Visitors were able to enjoy the caves, their architecture, paintings, and the natural scenic beauty as usual.

Senior ASI Conservation Officer Manoj Pawar, MTDC Divisional Manager Yogesh Nirgude, local manager Raj Patil, and Shubham Khandare, along with Police Inspector Prafulla Sable, ensured smooth coordination and management throughout the event.