Belum Caves, of Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh: Archaeologically and Geologically a significant site in India

Belum Caves,of  the Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, are among the longest and most spectacular underground cave systems in the Indian subcontinent.

Belum Andhra, .tripclap.com/

Above image: Belum caves of Kurnool Dist., Andhra state. Limestone/ carbonate rock caves that ve narrow passage in many places far below the rock outcrops.

 Formed over millions of years by the constant flow of underground water through limestone terrain, these caves showcase stunning geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and natural rock pillars that are commonly found in limestone cavers such Carlsbad caverns ( a complex of about 100 cavers) of New Mexico state of the US, one of the largest in that country. 

Once the percolating  acidic water reaches a cavern ceiling, it precipitates and evaporates, leaving behind a small calcium carbonate deposit. Growths from the roof downward formed through this process are known as stalactites. Additionally, water on the floor of the caverns can contain carbonic acid and generate mineral deposits by evaporation. Growths from the floor upward through this process are known as stalagmites.

Formation of stalactites.stalagmites
.Carlsbad cavernscarfulofkids.com

The name "Belum" has its origin in the Sanskrit word Bilum, meaning cave. Stretching over 3.5 kilometers, with about 2 kilometers accessible to tourists, the caves present a fascinating underground world carved by nature, perhaps the largest one in south India.

Belum Caves, Andhra, .dreamstime.com

Above image: Belum cave, AP.  Numerous stalactites hang from the cave ceiling........

researchgate.net

Limestone caverns..sciencelearn.org

Above images: Diagram of cave showing formation of stalagmites and stalactites in a carbonate rich terrain with caverns right below the ground primarily due to chemical reaction. Formation of  Stalactites forms in any passage and 'hang' from the roof.  Stalagmites are fed by a single drip and grow from the floor upward. Massive, rigid, inorganic flowstones develop in the inner passages of the cave and are fed by several drips, or by a spring. The soft, calcareous tufa forms near the cave entrance, is fed by several drips (or a spring), and its formation requires microbial activities. Karst environments with sparingly soluble rocks outcrops create such formations.www.researchgate.net.............

Stalactite formation, Belum cave,AP en.wikipedia.org

Above image: Belum Limestone caves of Andhra stee. Formation of numerous stalactites from the cave ceiling due water percolation. image credit.  Pravinjha at English Wikipedia

belum caves,Ap. narrow passagewikipedia.com
image. Saisumanth532

The archaeological significance of Belum Caves is equally remarkable. Excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have led to the presence of artifacts dating back to the pre-Buddhist era, including remnants of vessels that are estimated to be over 6,500 years old, suggesting human presence as far back as 4500 BCE.

Buddhist state outside Belum cave, en.wikipedia.org
image. Saisumanth532 

These findings highlight the caves’ importance as a site of ancient habitation. Additionally, evidence indicates that the caves were used by Jain and Buddhist monks for meditation and retreat. One chamber, aptly called the Meditation Hall, is believed to have served as a spiritual sanctuary, and numerous Buddhist relics discovered within the cave are now housed in a museum in Anantapur city.

Belum limestone cave, narrow passage.team-bhp.com

Belum Caves also hold biological interest. A unique species of tiny cave-dwelling arthropod, Andhracoides gebaueri, was discovered in the Patalganga chamber, underscoring the caves’ ecological uniqueness. For centuries, the caves remained largely unexplored and were even used as dumping grounds until local efforts, supported by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), led to their preservation and development. 

Today, Belum Caves stand as a protected site, drawing visitors not only for their natural beauty but also for their deep historical and cultural resonance, making them a significant landmark of India’s subterranean heritage and early Buddhist culture.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belum_Caves

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travelogues/179772-one-day-road-trip-belum-caves-gandikota.html

https://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2016/02/belum-caves-gandikota-grand-canyon-of.html

https://www.tripclap.com/places/kurnool/belum-caves-sightseeing-3052