Elephanta Caves & Trimurti Bombay, 2 Photos 1900
Two old 1900 photos of the Elephanta Caves and Trimurti in Bombay, now Mumbai. Located on an island off the eastern shore of Mumbai. The 6th century AD Elephanta cave temples, chiselled into a rocky cliff and dedicated to Shiva, contain some masterpieces of Indian sculpture. Originally called Gharapuri or “Fort-City”.
The island was renamed Elephanta by the Portuguese after a huge stone elephant that once stood there. The stone elephant is now in the garden of the Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai’s Byculla area. The Elephanta Caves is seemingly visited by motor boat from Apollo Bunder. The origins of the cave temples at Elephanta are lost in obscurity. But in all probability, they date to the 6th century AD.
The main cave is a huge square hall supported by two dozen massive rock-cut pillars. Here in a deep recess against the rear wall, is the triple-headed Shiva statue or Trimurti. This is the glory of Elephanta, a powerful compelling sculpture of Trimurti. The three faces represent Shiva in his different manifestations. The central face with its towering, elaborate crown depicts Shiva the Preserver. The one facing the west represents Shiva the creator. The head facing east shows Shiva the Destroyer. Click on the photo for better view.
Did you know- the caves are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#11)., Mount Road During Madras Monsoon, Postcard 1900., Lord Kitchener of British Indian Army, 1909 Print., Fiat Trucks For British India Military, 1915 Postcard.
The images are of the actual items from my collection. And Not a photocopy, pirated, reproduced, stock photos, or taken from other sources.
