Sudha Murty visits Barabar Caves, bats for Unesco World Heritage status

Philanthropist Sudha Murty on Sunday visited the ancient Barabar Caves in Bihar's Jehanabad district and advocated their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list, officials said.

Murty, a noted author and Rajya Sabha MP, arrived at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna on Saturday.

"I have come to Patna after over two decades, and it pleases me to see the progress here over time," she had said after her arrival.

According to a statement issued by the Jehanabad district administration, Murty appreciated the construction techniques, artistic excellence and historical significance of the rock-cut caves.

She particularly praised the mirror-like polish on the cave walls and the distinctive sound and echo effects inside the caves, describing them as examples of advanced engineering, scientific thinking and craftsmanship of ancient India, the statement said.

Murty also appealed for the Barabar Caves to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, saying this would help the ancient site gain greater global recognition, it added.

She was accompanied by the sub-divisional public grievance redressal officer and the district art and culture officer during her visit.