Cracks have developed in the Barabar caves dating back to the age of Ashoka the
Great of Mauryan Empire in 3rd century BC.Located in Jehanabad district, these caves were carved out of a huge piece of granite representing one of the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India. These were used by Jain monks as a retreat.
Following detection of the cracks, a worried Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) sent an SOS to Jehanabad DM requesting him to impose a ban on rock blasts in the nearby hilly region which may cause further damage by widening the gaps. The ASI has also decided to install a special clock housed in a glass at the site to monitor the stability of the site.