Mahanor for arts, dance, music centre at Ajanta caves

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Noted Marathi poet N D Mahanor feelsMaharashtra Government should initiate setting up of a centrefor development of arts, folk arts, sculpture and music at theworld-famous Ajanta caves in the state.

"It can be a separate centre or it can even be anextension of and existing centre like the P L DeshpandeAkademi," Mahanor told PTI.

The Ajanta Caves are 31 rock-cut cave monuments whichdate from the second century BC. They are among the world''sgreatest historical monument recognised by UNESCO.

The centre will be an important landmark at the heritagesite, Mahanor said. It could also work to foster world peaceand human values, he added.

Japan first gave Rs 220 crore for development of Ajantacaves, 20 years ago. Three years ago, it gave another Rs 330crore and the amount is being used for the complex, includinghall, art galleries coming up near Ajanta caves, he said.

A Padma awardee, Mahonar has also penned unforgettablenumbers for Marathi movies like ''Jait Re Jait'', ''Ek HotaVidushak'', ''Aboli'', ''Mukta'', and ''Sarja''. His literarycreations mostly talk about rural life and agriculture.