Who built Elephanta Caves in India?
Hindu Kalachuri king
The dating to a mid 6th century completion and it being a predominantly Shiva monument built by a Hindu Kalachuri king is based on numismatic evidence, inscriptions, construction style and better dating of other Deccan cave temples including the Ajanta Caves, and the more firm dating of Dandin’s Dasakumaracarita.
What is the story of Elephanta Caves?
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.
What is the historical importance of Elephanta Caves?
Elephanta Caves holds its significance because: The Shaivite group of caves − While there are many examples of Buddhist Caves in India, Elephanta Caves stand as a unique and important example as it is influenced by Shaiva traditions and mythology in the Shiva Purana.
What is the old name of Elephanta Caves?
Known in ancient times as Gharapuri (or, ‘place of caves’), the name Elephanta island (Portuguese: ilha do Elefante), was given by 16th-century Portuguese explorers, after seeing a monolithic basalt sculpture of an elephant found near the entrance.
Who destroyed Elephanta caves?
Later, the Marathas occupied the island in the 17th century. In 1774, the English took control of the island. Unchecked destruction within the cave site continued under British rule and it was not until 1909 that the main cave was declared a protected site under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act.
Who found Elephanta caves?
The Elephanta island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai in Maharashtra. The cave temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was excavated sometime in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta kings, who ruled the area between A.D. 757-973.
Which day Elephanta Caves closed?
It is closed on Mondays and the Elephanta Caves timings are from 9am to 5pm.
Who destroyed Elephanta Caves?
Why is it called Elephanta Caves?
The caves, as well as the island, were given the name Elephanta by Portuguese invaders after they took control of the place in 1534. It was the discovery of a gigantic rock-cut sculpture of an elephant on the island that prompted them to name the place so.
Is Elephanta Caves safe for couples?
Elephanta Caves These caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With beautifully carved sculptural pieces these caves are a must visit site for family, friends and couples.
Is Elephanta caves open?
Elephanta Caves in Mumbai is open throughout the year, except on Mondays. It takes an hour for an Elephanta Caves ferry to reach the island from Mumbai. The first ferry leaves the Gateway of India jetty at 9 AM, and the last one is at 2 PM.
When was the Elephanta Cave in Mumbai built?
To find out more, read on. Thought to have been built between the 5th and 8th century C.E., the five Hindu and two Buddhist caves collectively known as the Elephanta Caves have survived through centuries of habitation, invasion and neglect to still stand and draw in thousands of tourists in present-day Mumbai.
Who was the king of the Elephanta Caves?
A lack of archeological evidence means it’s uncertain who exactly made the Elephanta Caves or when. Based on other similar caves in the region, the Elephanta Caves are widely thought to have been constructed sometime around the 6th century AD, either by king Krishnaraja of the Kalachuri Dynasty or by Chalukya Dynasty rulers.
How old are the caves on Elephanta Island?
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.
Why are the Elephanta Caves important to Hinduism?
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.
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