Flash and tripod permits

I vaguely remember reading (in Lonely Planet, Eyewitness…?) that it is possible to get special permits to use flash and/or tripods in otherwise restricted places like the Ajanta and Ellora caves. I believe one is supposed to apply to some government office in Delhi. I can't find the reference any longer. Does anyone know anything about this?

I doubt you can use flash at all at Ajanta, since the paintings are sensitive. But for Ellora, and generally, the old journalists' rule applies--it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission.

But if you are dead-set on getting a permit, with all the red tape that will entail, I think it's the Archaeological Survey of India.

Thanks for the advice. I am not a journalist (just old); but I had pretty much stumbled upon the old journalist's rule myself, though not so elegantly stated. But having been set upon by a guard with a thundering great cosh at Khajuraho for trying to use a monopod, I figured I'd explore the other route. I confess I'm likely to founder on the red tape and bureaucracy, so I'll also start practiing my apologies. Thanks again.