According to the Times of India the caves date back approximately 1500 years, yet they have remained surprisingly preserved from insects, natural conditions, and decay. Thanks to a recent study, scientists believe they have discovered the reason the caves are so well preserved – hemp. The study was conducted by former superintending archaeological chemist of the Archaeological Survey of India's science branch, Rajdeo Singh, and a botany teacher from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, MM Sardesai.