Status of Speleology in Sri Lanka; from 4th Century AD to 21st Century

Status of Speleology in Sri Lanka; from 4^th Century AD to 21^st Century 

Weliange W.S¹, Armstrong Osborne², Pathmakumara Jayasingha³, Dandeniya R.S⁴ & Prageeth Algiriya¹

¹Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya

²The University of Sydney, NSW 2006

³Research Laboratory, Central Cultural Fund, No 11, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka

⁴ BGJF Consultancy Services, 35A ½, Sunethradewi Road Kohuwala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT

Sri Lanka is an island characterized by mostly Precambrian metamorphic and Miocene limestone rocks and has a very high density of caves. Speleology, the scientific study of caves, has been identified as an important discipline that should be done parallel to the other archaeological research. The earliest written records on caves are evidenced by cave inscriptions date back to the 3^rd century BC and also found in historical books such as Deepawamsa (4^th Century AD), Mahawamsa - the Great Chronicle (5^th Century AD) and in the Vamsatthapakasini which is an elaboration of the Mahawamsa. Since then various historical legends have mentioned about caves. It is recorded that foreign scholars had made expeditions to caves from the early 19^th century. Explorations and excavations done in the middle 20^th century have added more information to the cave literature. In the late 20^th century several international expeditions took place for exploring Sri Lankan caves. In 2009 the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya (PGIAR), started researching Sri Lankan caves with the collaboration of the University of Sydney, Australia. So far we have investigated around 20 caves located in wet, intermediate and dry zones. It was well noticed that geology and climatic factors prevailing on a particular area affect the formation of caves of Sri Lanka. The common formation processes identified are weathering and erosion of bed rocks and amalgamation of boulders on the gneissic terrain. We introduced the first ever classification for caves in the country based on lithology, morphology and genesis. Speleotherms in gneissic caves which are mostly siliceous were found to be very unique. Also it was recorded that the cave fauna consisted of mainly insects, but mammals such as michrochiropterans, amphibians and reptiles were also found. Sri Lankan cave sediments have played a major role in the reconstruction of paleo-environmental changes and in the context of prehistory of the country. Speleological research is going to be a part of studies of biodiversity and geology. Therefore, several new fields such as cave mapping, cave ecology, cave geology and cave tourism are branching off as cave research is progressing.

Key words: cave fauna, cave geology, speleology, Sri Lanka

Speleology in Kosgala Wawul Guhawa Cave at Ihalawatta in Rathnapura Distric, Sri Lanka

Speleology in Kosgala Wawul Guhawa Cave at Ihalawatta in Rathnapura Distric, Sri Lanka

Weliange W.S¹, Pathmakumara Jayasinghe², Dandeniya A.S³, Prageeth Elgiriya¹, Dinesh D. Dewage⁴, Duminda Aalahakoon A.M⁵ & Nilupul Hettiarchchi⁶

¹Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, 407, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka.

²Research Laboratory, Central Cultural Fund, No 11, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka

³BGJF Consultancy Services, 35A ½, Sunethradewi Road Kohuwala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

⁴Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

⁵132, Track 5, Rajanganaya, Sri Lanka.

⁶658/52, NewTown , Rathnapura, Sri Lanka

Corresponding author; wasanthaweliange@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract

A vast dark space beneath a huge gneissic rock roof is the definition for the Kosgala Wavul Guhawa Cave and it is an underground tunnel cave. This cave was located in (06°43' 31.5'' N, 80°20' 34.6'' E) Ihalawatta in Rathnapura district, 486 ft above msl. This particular cave was studied in November 2009 under the Speleology project carried out by the Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya. In order to get the spatial distribution of the cave, mapping was done and cave mouth, plan and sections were drawn. Special geological features, speleotherms and cave fauna were studied and photographed. As a result of weathering of bed rock and consequent erosion, Cave has been formed. Carving features due to abrasion of water disclose further support in formation of the cave. A pot hole in southeast chamber evidences action of water on bed rock erosion. Morphological studies reveal that the cave space is spread over an area of 110 m to 90 m and it is divided into two chambers as the northeast chamber and northwest chambers. Northeast chamber is characterized by flat ground surface, high roof and a space of 75 m long and 25 m wide at the widest point. 100 m long northwest chamber has a steep slope (45⁰) of ground and a lower roof. Cave mouth is oriented towards the south. Ground of the cave is composed of geometrical shaped boulders (3-5 m in size), pebbles, coarse sand derived mainly from physical weathering, bat guano and organic material in the form black soil. The cave is a home for large number of michrochiropterna bats, cockroaches, cave crickets and spiders. Abundant speleotherms is a characteristic feature and stalagmites found in the northeast chamber seem to be still young. Black colored flowstone also was found in several places of the cave. Further exploration would definitely reveals more interesting facts about this cave.

Keywords; bat guano, cave fauna, gneissic roof, michrochiroptera, pot hole, speleothems

Introduction

Sri Lanka is an island with a very high density of caves since the lithology is characterized by mostly Precambrian metamorphic rocks and Miocene limestone in the northern area of the country (Cooray 1994). Caves found in different lithologies in Sri Lanka are of historical, cultural and archaeological significance. Only few caves have been studied in archaeological aspects during the last 50 years in Sri Lanka although people visit caves for other reasons such as religious purposes, collecting guano, having fun and adventure and treasure hunting. Scientific study of a cave with a multidisciplinary approach is known as Speleology.

Open cavities on earth are known as Caves which are wonderful geological formations. Caves are diverse in morphology and genesis and formation of a cave is matter of time, rate of weathering and erosion, climate and type of bed rock (Bosak, 2008; Parmer, 2003; Piccini, 1995; Hill, 2000). Caves have long been interest of archaeologist since they are paleo occupations for prehistoric people (Jankovic et al, 2006; Karkanas et al, 2000) and they preserve extraordinary records of past humans, their evolution and paleo-environmental changes (Goldberg and Nathan, 1975; Spotl and Mangini, 2007; Springer et al, 1997; Yong et al, 2007). Caves are places of mineral resources and people have harvested those resources since long time (Kennedy and Watson, 1997). Recently cave tourism is becoming a popular adventure in the world (Lobo and Moretti, 2009).

adventure in the world (Lobo and Moretti, 2009).

Based on rock formations/lithologies different kinds of caves have been originated (Hill, 2000; Karmen et al, 2001). Most famous caves in the world are Karstic or Limestone caves due to the fact those karstic caves are wonderfully decorated with speleotherms (Baskar et al, 2007) and most of studies have been carried out on those Karstic caves. In addition Sandstone caves were also recorded (Waltham and Chubby, 1997). It seems that genesis of such sedimentary caves is common and known as paragenesis and dissolution (Pasini, 2009). Dissolved materials of the limestone bed rock are precipitated somewhere else to form spleotherms such as Stalgmites and Stalactites which are the natural sculptures of caves (Woo et al, 2005).

Although cave exploration is being done since a long time by adventurous youths proper scientific explorations were started recently. Deraniyagala (1965) has published one publication about cave exploration and the importance of Speleological research. During the last 70 years only very few publications have being done about scientific cave studies among them many are dedicated for cave fauna (Bringoli 1972; Silhavy, 1974; Mauries, 1981; Jayasingha et al, 2009b; Weliange, 2009; Weliange & Namalagamuwa, 2009).

The Crack-Cave in Nikawalamulla, Ruwanwella, Sri Lanka

The Crack-Cave in Nikawalamulla, Ruwanwella, Sri Lanka

Speleology is the science of exploration and study of all aspects of caves and the environment which surrounds the caves. Mid nineteenth century the world came to know the importance of cave science. E`douard-Alfred Martel - a French (1859 - 1938), the 'father of modern speleology', introduced the concept of speleology to the France first, through his extensive and well-published cave explorations.  Many archaeological excavations have been done in caves in Sri Lanka, but cave habitats have not been speleologically investigated. Cave science come to light after a long pause in Sri Lanka under the auspices of PGIAR of University of Kelaniya.

The creation of an accurate, detailed map is one of the most valuable and fundamental part of speleology. If we have an accurate map there is no worry about route-finding. Cave maps, can be used to compare caves to each other by length, depth and volume, and provide a spatial reference for further scientific study.

The main Goals and objectives of this cave exploration project are, finding caves in area and cave habitats, creating of accurate maps for each cave, investigate about cave fauna / flora, and speleotherms. To achieve these goals there were lots of work to do.

This rock shelter was identified a research done by the Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya in 2009/2010, at Nikawalamulla in the Ruwanwella divisional secretariat, Kegalle district (N- 07 01' 57.9, E- 80 14'43.3).

Basic maps, planes and cross sections of the shelter were drawn as usually. Careful observations were carried out to locate the cave fauna and photographed all the special features. For mapping and recording we used a compass, a distant range finder, a 50 meter tape, a rotaring board, 1mm graph papers and a digital Camera. There were five members in our team and each and every one has a specific work to do. While some one was photographing the others had to writing notes, sketching and drawing maps, manipulating tape and reading the compass and range finder. Preparing of an accurate, detailed map, is one of the most valuable and fundamental part of speleology .So a map of the cave-ground, long section of the cave mouth, longitudinal section in the cave interior, and several cross sections perpendicular to the longitudinal section were drawn for each cave.

Due to the geological landscape, various types of caves were formed in Nikawalamulla village in Ruwanwella. This cave doesn't have a specific name. It located in an exposed bed rock area is known as Bisopennagala. Actually this is not a cave but a rock shelter. Rock shelter means a place which is open in three sides, have enough light during the day time and enough aeration (wind) (Jayasinha P., 2010). Furthermore it can be divided in to two groups such as boulder rock shelters and bed rock shelters (ibid). And this boulder rock shelter was formed due to a huge crack developed along a joint plane of the bed rock.

This cave has a very unique situation. There are four entrances to the shelter. One of these is formed due to a crack aliened North – South on the 20m high bed rock. The width of the crack is 0.45m where it begins and 1m at the entrance to the cave. In the beginning of the crack to 5 m there is a slope of 1 1/2m towards up. The rest of the entrances are form due to the obstructions caused by the boulders fallen from the bed rock. E1 and E2 entrances are open to the sky. On the wall between E1 and E2 there is a horizontal crack in 2m height. This crack goes on the beginning of the first entrance. The particular cave extends over an area of 3 m x 4 m. The roof of the shelter is also formed by such a boulder. The cave floor is flat and filled with soft deposits which were eroded due to the rain. It is located 3.7m above the original ground floor. This spacious chamber gets good ventilation and light.

There are stalagmites found in this cave that hang from the roof. Some of the stalagmites are formed across the wall. These are very fragile and are not even 1cm long. The walls, roof and the cave seems to provide habitats for many species like gecko, frogs, cave cricket and spiders, daddy long legged spiders and ants. Also it is found that bryophytes growing in the walls of the cave where sunlight reaches.

We are the first people to study the particular cave sites in a scientific way in the area of Nikawalamula. Villagers know about these caves. But they don’t have enough knowledge about them, specially just like river cave. No one pay attention about geological formation, cave fauna/flora, speleotherms etc. so that our research is highly important.

Mentioned as earlier this is not a cave but a rock shelter. Therefore it is difficult to live here for a long term, but it has a big utility as a temporary shelter. It couldn’t find certain evidence about the prehistoric man in this area as yet. But if there were a man who climbed this rock for hunting, this is an ideal place for prepare his meal (skin and roast the animal) and get rest. The people who come here for collecting fire wood, herbs or for hunting purposes in present also, this is the only shelter in this area to protect them from a sudden rain. It means in this mountainous area this rock shelter can also be important for mountaineers.

Cave tourism is a field yet to be developed in Sri Lanka. Among the other discovered caves the crack cave in Nikawalamulla, is also suitable for introducing cave tourism.

Finally we must thank all the village people who helped us to complete our work successfully.

Reference

Abstracts

A classification for Sri Lankan caves, 2010, Pathmakumara Jayasingha, Wasantha S Weliange, A.S. Dandeniya & Prageeth Elgiriya

Speleological Exploration to Stheepura Lena Cave at Kuruwita, Sri Lanka, 2010, Wasanth S. Weliange, A.S. Dandeniya, Prageeth Elgiriya, Dinesh D Dewage, A.M. Duminda Alahakoon, Nilupul Hettiaarachchi, and Pathmakumara Jayasingha.

Cave mapping; master step in Spealeology

Cave mapping; master step in Spealeology

Dandeniya A.S¹, Dewage D.D², Jayasinghe P³ & Weliange W.S⁴

¹BGJF Consultancy Services, 35A ½, Sunethradewi Road, Kohuwala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

²Departement of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

³Research Laboratory, Central Cultural Fund, No 11, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka

⁴Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, 407, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka

Corresponding Author; wasanthaweliange@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract

Cave mapping is the master step needed for detailed speleological studies since it provides the spatial distribution pattern of underground/surface caves. Post-Graduate Institute of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya initiated a project on cave studies where mapping is an important aspect. We developed our own method for mapping. During our cave studies conducted in late November 2009 and early January 2010, four caves in Rathnapura; Sthreepura Cave (06°49' 54.6'' N, 80°22' 27.8'' E) and Divaguhawa Lena Cave in Kuruvita (06°49' 50.1'' N, 80°22' 23.8'' E), Vavul Guhava Cave in Kosgala (06°43' 31.5'' N, 80°20' 34.6'' E) and Pelpola Lena Cave in Kehelowitagama (06°41' 26.4'' N, 80°19' 22.1'' E) and six caves in Nikawalamulla; including a River-cave (07°01'. 54.6'' N, 080°14' 36.0'' E), Hakurugala Raja Mahawiharaya Cave (07°01'. 54.6'' N, 080°14' 36.0'' E), Diya-Pihilla Guhawa Cave (07°01'. 53.5'' N, 080°14' 36.5'' E), Crack-cave (07°01'. 57.9'' N, 080°14' 43.3'' E) and Yahal Lena Cave (07°02'. 04.3'' N, 080°14' 38.9'' E) were mapped. A compass, a distant range finder, a 50 meter tape, a rotring board, a digital Camera and 1mm graph papers were used for mapping and recording. A team of five is needed for 1) writing notes 2) sketching and drawing maps 3) manipulating tape 4) reading compass and range finder and 5) photographing. Map of the cave-ground, long section of the cave mouth, longitudinal section in the cave interior, and several cross sections perpendicular to the longitudinal section were drawn for each cave. By using software programs (Auto cad, Arch GIS and 3D Max), maps were generated. Maps make easier to acclimatize to the cave habitats and help eliminate the Claustrophobia. Maps also help understand types and shapes of spaces within the cave, and formation type.

Key words; Sri Lanka, space distribution, shapes, formation types, Claustrophobia