Bijoliya Vindhyan Supergroup Sandstone Region of Rajasthan, India: Conservation of Geoheritage and Geotourism

Abstract

The Bijoliya region of Bhilwara district, Rajasthan, is bestowed with good quality sandstone. The Menal-Bijoliya-Bhimlat terrane dominantly composed of Vindhyan Supergroup sandstone. This sandstone forms a plateau-like feature with two important waterfalls, namely Menal and Bhimlat. This terrane exhibits sandstone sedimentary features and mediaeval Menal, Kaner ki Putli, Bijoliya Shiva and Jain temple monuments. The large sized rock inscriptions of 1170 AD are marked on the Bijoliya sandstone. Due to high durability and resistant to weathering quality of the sandstone, these rock inscriptions are still intact. Several Prehistoric cave art, stone tools and rock shelters paintings are present in the Bijoliya region. These signify early human social development and life style. Bijoliya sandstone is an important Heritage Stone Resource, which was used for shelter and rock art by the prehistoric human dwellers, and later on during the ancient, mediaeval and present time. Mandakini Kund, Hazaresvara Mahadeva or Hazaralinga temple, Kaner ki Putli, Menal Shiva temple and other historic monuments were constructed from the Bijoliya sandstone. Archaeological Survey of India listed these monuments and declared protected. Presently, widespread mining and poor preservation of sites causing distortion of geoheritage from the region. These sites require attention of society and the government for conservation, and should be developed for geotourism.