In the March 2025 issue of National Geographic Kids, there is an article on the hundreds of tuff (a brittle volcanic rock) statues in the San Augustin Archaeological park in the part of Andes Mountains in Columbia, South America.
It is a fascinating article full of interesting facts. This was enough to seed a desire in me to visit the place. Yet, the afterthought was not very pleasing.
It is amazing how other countries small or big, developed or developing preserve their culture, historical monuments, etc. They develop and promote such places as tourist attractions and the locals know about it.
At the same time, in India, the masses are mostly not aware of the Natural history they have locally in plenty. Mumbai itself is steeped in nature, natural history and cultural heritage about which only a few know.
For example, how many of us know that we have a dormant / extinct volcano in Mumbai?
The Kanheri caves carved in the caldera (volcanic crater formed by a major eruption) of this volcano are nothing short of magical wonders. Some crazy facts about this place will blow your mind. The caves are supposed to be the natural highest point in Mumbai today. But you can see evidence that this place was under water some 60 million years ago. Comparing this with the statues of San Augustin, we have some similarities. Yes. The first one being they are both made from volcanic rocks. Second, they both date back to more than 2000 years and the period of their construction / inhabitation is 900-1000 years. Here is where the similarities stop. Now, San Augustin is a cemetery but Kanheri caves had a thriving
populus connected with important trade centres and was very advanced as can be understood by the architecture, sculptures and carvings. Something worth mentioning here is their water
harvesting system. Few people in India know that the form of Buddhism practiced in Japan has it’s origin in these caves. A traveller from Japan made note of all the teachings and practices and took it back with him which has influenced their entire nation.
It is a pity that such treasure troves around us are ignored and we get easily drawn by everything foreign. It’s time we change this and start valuing our heritage besides appreciating all that the world has to offer.
April, 2025
