BIODETERIORATION AND PRESERVATION OF SITA DEVI TEMPLE, DEORBIJA, CHHATTISGARH, INDIA

Abstract

Chhattisgarh is a land of ancient culture, with many ancient monuments, temples and forts. Every nook and corner of Chhattisgarh has traditional heritage. There are numerous factors that affect the durability of stone. Stone surfaces are continuously exposed to physical, chemical and biological degradation. Physical, chemical, and biological agents act in co-association, ranging from synergistic to antagonistic and leading to deterioration. Among biological agents, micro-organisms are of critical importance in stone deterioration. They can cause various damages on the stone surface. Biodeterioration processes result from complex interactions of surface-invading microbes with each other, as well as with the surface material. The ability of fungi to produce pigments and organic acids is crucial for the discoloration and degradation of monuments. Air acts as a vehicle for the dispersion of microorganisms. They are introduced into air from different sources: soil, water, organic waste, plant leaves, sneezes and cough. This investigation focuses on the scientific conservation of The Sita Devi Temple of Deorbija DistricDurg, [Chhattisgarh]. The stone surface of the temple grew dark due to deposits of dust, dirt, dried vegetation and the growth of micro vegetation on the exterior as well as the interior portions.

Keywords

• Deorbija
• Fungi
• Biodeterioration
• Archeology
• Degradation
• Microorganism