4/5 Shubham B. 3 years ago on Google
The
Elephanta
Caves
are
located
in
Western
India
on
Elephanta
Island
(otherwise
known
as
the
Island
of
Gharapuri),
which
features
two
hillocks
separated
by
a
narrow
valley.
The
small
island
is
dotted
with
numerous
ancient
archaeological
remains
that
are
the
sole
testimonies
to
its
rich
cultural
past.
These
archaeological
remains
reveal
evidence
of
occupation
from
as
early
as
the
2nd
century
BC.
The
rock-cut
Elephanta
Caves
were
constructed
about
the
mid-5th
to
6th
centuries
AD.
The
most
important
among
the
caves
is
the
great
Cave
1,
which
measures
39
metres
from
the
front
entrance
to
the
back.
In
plan,
this
cave
in
the
western
hill
closely
resembles
Dumar
Lena
cave
at
Ellora,
in
India.
The
main
body
of
the
cave,
excluding
the
porticos
on
the
three
open
sides
and
the
back
aisle,
is
27
metres
square
and
is
supported
by
rows
of
six
columns
each.
The
7-metre-high
masterpiece
“Sadashiva”
dominates
the
entrance
to
Cave
1.
The
sculpture
represents
three
aspects
of
Shiva:
the
Creator,
the
Preserver,
and
the
Destroyer,
identified,
respectively,
with
Aghora
or
Bhairava
(left
half),
Taptapurusha
or
Mahadeva
(central
full
face),
and
Vamadeva
or
Uma
(right
half).
Representations
of
Nataraja,
Yogishvara,
Andhakasuravadha,
Ardhanarishwara,
Kalyanasundaramurti,
Gangadharamurti,
and
Ravanaanugrahamurti
are
also
noteworthy
for
their
forms,
dimensions,
themes,
representations,
content,
alignment
and
execution.
The
layout
of
the
caves,
including
the
pillar
components,
the
placement
and
division
of
the
caves
into
different
parts,
and
the
provision
of
a
sanctum
or
Garbhagriha
of
sarvatobhadra
plan,
are
important
developments
in
rock-cut
architecture.
The
Elephanta
Caves
emerged
from
a
long
artistic
tradition,
but
demonstrate
refreshing
innovation.
The
combination
of
aesthetic
beauty
and
sculptural
art,
replete
with
respondent
Rasas,
reached
an
apogee
at
the
Elephanta
Caves.
Hindu
spiritualistic
beliefs
and
symbology
are
finely
utilized
in
the
overall
planning
of
the
caves.
Criteria
(i):
The
fifteen
large
reliefs
surrounding
the
lingam
chapel
in
the
main
Elephanta
Cave
not
only
constitute
one
of
the
greatest
examples
of
Indian
art
but
also
one
of
the
most
important
collections
for
the
cult
of
Shiva.
Criteria
(iii):
The
caves
are
the
most
magnificent
achievement
in
the
history
of
rock-architecture
in
western
India.
The
Trimurti
and
other
colossal
sculptures
with
their
aesthetic
setting
are
examples
of
unique
artistic
creation.
Integrity
All
the
archaeological
components
in
the
Elephanta
Caves
are
preserved
in
their
natural
settings.
There
is
further
scope
to
reveal
archaeological
material
and
enhance
information
by
exposing
the
buried
stupas.
At
the
time
of
the
listing
the
need
was
noted
to
safeguard
the
fragile
site
from
nearby
industrial
development.
Currently,
saline
activity
and
general
deterioration
of
rock
surface
are
affecting
the
caves.
Management
of
the
property
would
be
enhanced
through
the
adoption
of
a
Conservation
Management
Plan
to
guide
restoration
and
conservation
works.
Authenticity
The
authenticity
of
the
property
has
been
well
maintained
since
its
inscription
on
the
World
Heritage
List,
despite
certain
repairs
on
the
façade
and
pillars
that
have
been
carried
out
to
ensure
the
structural
stability
of
the
monument.
Besides
the
caves,
Elephanta
Island
possesses
archaeological
remains
from
as
early
as
the
2nd
century
BC
and
from
the
Portuguese
period,
as
witnessed,
respectively,
by
stupas
buried
towards
the
eastern
side
of
the
hillock
and
a
canon
located
at
its
top.
Moreover,
the
caves
are
preserved
in
the
form
of
monolithic
temples,
sarvatobhadra
garbhgriha
(sanctum),
mandapa
(courtyard),
rock-cut
architecture,
and
sculptures.
Since
inscription,
a
number
of
interventions
have
been
made
to
enhance
visitors’
experience
and
to
conserve
the
site.
These
include
the
construction
of
pathways,
conservation
of
fallen
and
broken
pillars,
conservation
of
fallen
and
collapsed
facades,
construction
of
flight
of
steps
leading
to
the
caves
from
island’s
jetty,
repair
to
the
Custodian’s
Quarters,
and
setting
up
of
a
Site
Information
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