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 Centre. Since inscription, a number of interventions have been made to enhance visitors’ experience and to conserve the site. Moreover, the caves are preserved in the form of monolithic temples, sarvatobhadra garbhgriha (sanctum), mandapa (courtyard), rock-cut architecture, and sculptures. 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. 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. Management of the property would be enhanced through the adoption of a Conservation Management Plan to guide restoration and conservation works. Currently, saline activity and general deterioration of rock surface are affecting the caves. At the time of the listing the need was noted to safeguard the fragile site from nearby industrial development. There is further scope to reveal archaeological material and enhance information by exposing the buried stupas. The Trimurti and other colossal sculptures with their aesthetic setting are examples of unique artistic creation.Īll the archaeological components in the Elephanta Caves are preserved in their natural settings. Hindu spiritualistic beliefs and symbology are finely utilized in the overall planning of the caves.Ĭriteria (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.Ĭriteria (iii): The caves are the most magnificent achievement in the history of rock-architecture in western India. The combination of aesthetic beauty and sculptural art, replete with respondent Rasas, reached an apogee at the Elephanta Caves. The Elephanta Caves emerged from a long artistic tradition, but demonstrate refreshing innovation. 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. Representations of Nataraja, Yogishvara, Andhakasuravadha, Ardhanarishwara, Kalyanasundaramurti, Gangadharamurti, and Ravanaanugrahamurti are also noteworthy for their forms, dimensions, themes, representations, content, alignment and execution. 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). The 7-metre-high masterpiece “ Sadashiva” dominates the entrance to Cave 1. 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. In plan, this cave in the western hill closely resembles Dumar Lena cave at Ellora, in India. The most important among the caves is the great Cave 1, which measures 39 metres from the front entrance to the back. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. These archaeological remains reveal evidence of occupation from as early as the 2nd century BC. The small island is dotted with numerous ancient archaeological remains that are the sole testimonies to its rich cultural past. 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.
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