Two Rare 1900 Photos of Elephanta Caves & Trimurti, Bombay
These rare 1900 photographs capture the Elephanta Caves and the iconic Trimurti sculpture in Bombay (Mumbai). Situated on an island off the eastern coast of Mumbai, the 6th-century Elephanta cave temples, carved into basalt rock, are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are considered masterpieces of ancient Indian sculpture.
The island, originally known as Gharapuri or “Fort-City,” was renamed Elephanta by the Portuguese after they discovered a massive stone elephant statue, which today resides in the garden of the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla, Mumbai. Visitors can reach the Elephanta Caves by ferry from Apollo Bunder near the Gateway of India.
The origins of the Elephanta cave temples remain uncertain, but scholars believe they date back to the 6th century AD. The main cave consists of a vast pillared hall, supported by more than twenty rock-cut columns. At its core lies the magnificent Trimurti, a colossal three-headed sculpture of Lord Shiva symbolizing his three cosmic roles:
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Shiva the Preserver (the central face with a majestic crown),
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Shiva the Creator (the western face), and
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Shiva the Destroyer (the eastern face).
The Trimurti of Elephanta remains the highlight of the caves, representing the artistic brilliance and spiritual depth of early Indian rock-cut architecture. Click photo to enlarge.
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,
