RATNADURGA (Sahasrabuddhe 2013) (Cave of)
16.983300,73.300000
Description
A relatively inconspicuous cave entrance, which is less than a single metre wide and high, opens beneath an angular basalt block and gives access to a water-polished cave passage in basalt (Deccan Trap) that leads for about 10 m descending across well-rounded and cobble-sized stones to the head of a free climbable 4 m drop down (ladder recommended) to where the joint-guided cave passage is partly drowned by sea water from the nearby Arabian Sea and leads past a constriction to a far corner where the cave continues as an impenetrable fissure. ETYMOLOGY: No autochthonous, indigenous or locally known name has been identified for what has been referred to as Cave of Ratnadurga (note 1). SITUATION: At an unidentified location but apparently somewhere near the base of the promontory on which Ratnadurga (note 2), the fort of Ratnagiri, stands surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides (note 3) on the Konkan Coast. CAVE POTENTIAL: Professor Sanyagita Sasane, a history research scholar from atnagiri, pointed out that there are five known caves on this fort [note 4] (in: Sahasrabuddhe, A 2013 video clip 23:30). Ashay Sahasrabuddhe was led to believe that Maharashtra has only two places suitable for caving. The first is Hiranykeshi [also: Hiranyakeshi] and the second, Ratnadurga Fort's this cave (Sahasrabuddhe, A 2013 video clip, ca. 21:00 - 21:15). This is not the case.atnagiri, pointed out that there are five known caves on this fort [note 4] (in: Sahasrabuddhe, A 2013 video clip 23:30). Ashay Sahasrabuddhe was led to believe that Maharashtra has only two places suitable for caving. The first is Hiranykeshi [also: Hiranyakeshi] and the second, Ratnadurga Fort's this cave (Sahasrabuddhe, A 2013 video clip, ca. 21:00 - 21:15). This is not the case.
Documents
Bibliography 06/01/2018History
EXPLORATION HISTORY: 2013: Vishal Bhave, Seema Hardikar, Sanjay Khamkar, Subodh Khanolkar, Sanjeev Limaye, Ashay Sahasrabuddhe, Kishor Sawant and Jitendra Shinde visited, took video footage, and uploaded the clip youtube.com/watch?v=Yrt4U4CfFTE (accessed 2014.05.12). In 2013, Mr. Ashay Sahasrabuddhe from Dept. of Communication and Journalism, University of Mumbai was pursuing his Master of Arts in Electronic Media and for his final documentary project, he thought of a very different and exciting topic of caving. Caving is not one of the popular sports in India and choosing this subject, was a brave choice. For him, the topic was perfect because of his passion for adventure sport as well as film making. He began with an initial research about the caving as sport and caves in general. By tried to understand various aspects of this topic included current status of caving in India, technicalities of the sport, equipment required etc. His documentary sheds sufficient light on caves biodivesity, and formation of caves as well. Dr. Jayant Biswas, President of National Cave Research and Protection Organization provided very nuanced and helpful information on cave science for this film. Mr. Bal Bendkhale who has registered over 300 small-big caves in Maharashtra also gave his insights. The cave he chose for the film has historical context too, and Ashay hasn't missed to highlight it in his film. Before the actual shooting of documentary began, Mr. Ashay visited few times to plan for the actual shooting, especially for lighting and other technical arrangements to the targeted cave which is located in the Bhagwati fort, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Just for few shots, an underwater camera was used. The adventurous shots of the film really stimulate the audience to get a feel of the real caving. He also prepared an animated map of the cave for better understanding of cave exploration. All these efforts have made this film a very good one considering the self-funded low budget. Wth limited technologies and expertise Mr. Ashay's effort really paid off. The film will definitely attract the adventure lovers, to every cave lover and to every enthusiastic person who wants to see an exciting film on human-nature interaction. Hope, these types of films will be promoted by government of India in future to promote Adventurous Sports in India. The film is available in YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrt4U4CfFTE (KARANDIKAR, M 2014: 52).
Caves nearby
| Distance (km) | Name | Length (m) | Depth (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | CHANDIKABAI UNDERGROUND TEMPLE | ||
| 0.0 | RATNAGIRI FORT STEPWELL | ||
| 3.5 | RATNAGIRI FORT SEA CAVE | ||
| 11.7 | HATHKAMBA 3 (Cave at) | ||
| 12.4 | HATHKAMBA 2 (Cave at) | ||
| 14.4 | HATHKAMBA (Cave at) | ||
| 50.6 | ACHEULIAN CAVE, Susrondi | ||
| 51.2 | MANDAVKARDWADI (Cave at) | ||
| 80.2 | KALAKAI GUHA |