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Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth - II
4. Proposed Research Plan and New Techniques
Preliminary research has been done regarding the authenticity of both Rushabhdev and Mt. Ashtapad by eminent scholars and scientists from India and abroad. Teams of scientists and research scholars from various fields have also visited this area of Mt. Kailash in summer of 2006, 2007 and 2009 for preliminary reconnaissance survey. ARIF has prepared DVDs of findings of these field trips. In addition to the field trips, satellite data have also been critically examined to locate any possible sign of buried structure in Mt. Kailash region. The satellite data includes the images of IRS/LISS-IV (Indian Remote Sensing - Linear Imaging Self-Scanning System - IV) which was combined with the map of Mt. Kailash region (1:50000 scale), Published by Karto Atelier of Switzerland. The images of IKONOS and IRS satellite employing compatible software have also been critically studied to locate any possible buried structures in the Kailash area. Based on the campaigns, field trips and study of photos and satellite images ARIF has identified about ten potential Sites for Mt. Ashtapad. Thus to start with new investigations we must explore the artifacts/ ruins of the Ashtapad temple at these identified locations, as a part of international scientific research programs, employing new techniques as described below. Research Plan employing New Techniques:
The identification of the above Sites is based on physical inspection and analyzing the photos taken during field trips or from the images made available through satellites. Further, the selection of the above Sites has also been carried out considering archaeological, anthropological and geological backgrounds. However, so far in order to probe the Ashtapad temple no indepth scientific techniques have been used.
We propose to employ ground based spectral and digital imaging and space borne multiwavelength imagery through remote sensing techniques. We plan to use ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic induction (EMI) and magnetometer to conduct non-destructive and noninvasive surveys. We describe below the preliminary approach for future research directions to probe the Ashtapad Palace Temple.
a. Ground-based Techniques:
Application of Multi-frequency Ground Penetrating Radars:
The most important and non-destructive exploration techniques include application of multifrequency radio waves. In this context, the "Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Microwave Remote Sensing Techniques" are most potential to probe the Ashtapad Temple. The Radio waves and Microwave Remote Sensing techniques provide information about the buried objects. Further, the microwave frequencies have unique properties that include day and night capability. all weather capability, penetration through snow and soil, and determination of water content in the soil as well as in snow and any other target material.
The depth of penetration for a given frequency radio wave is maximum in the case of dry snow and dry soil. The depth of penetration also depends upon the frequency, and for lower frequency the penetration depth is larger than higher frequency. This also depends upon look angle as well as polarization and type of surface. It has been observed that in the dry soil
New Techniques to discover Ashtapad
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