Elephanta (island)
| Elephanta Island (Gharapuri) |
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| Waters | Mumbai Harbor, Arabian Sea | |
| Geographical location | 18 ° 57 '45 " N , 72 ° 55' 55" E | |
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| length | 2.2 km | |
| width | 1.4 km | |
| surface | 2 km² | |
| Highest elevation | Canon Hill 173 m |
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| Residents | 1200 600 inhabitants / km² |
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| main place | Rajbandar | |
Elephanta is a small island in Thane Creek near Mumbai in the Raigad district of Maharashtra state in India . The historical caves on Elephanta, visited by local and foreign tourists, were mainly used to worship Shiva . They have been under UNESCO protection since 1987 and are part of the world cultural heritage of mankind.
geography
The densely forested island is located in a bay about 10 km east of Mumbai, the former Bombay, and has an area of about 2 km². The approximately 1,200 inhabitants live in the three villages Rajbandar (main town, located in the south), Shentbandar (west) and Morabandar (north). The highest point is Canon Hill in the southwest with a height of 173 m. The island contrasts with the narrowness of the nearby metropolis of Mumbai. It was originally probably called Gharapuri ("City of the Ghara Priests"), but was renamed by the Portuguese in the 16th century after the stone elephant they found in the harbor; the elephant can be seen today in Victoria Gardens in Mumbai.
history
Around the 2nd century AD, Elephanta was the capital of the Traikutakas under King Madhyamasena. This passed the land on to a Brahmin, who had it conquered by King Harisena, who belonged to the Vakataka dynasty. The Vakataka dynasty was then in turn replaced by the Kalachuri dynasty. In the Elephanta Caves there is a Shiva representation that is typical of this dynasty : Shiva as Lakulisha . Their presence is one reason why it is believed that this dynasty ruled Elephanta when the temple was founded. Also some finds of silver coins that exist exclusively on Elephanta, on which the second ruler of the Kalachuris was depicted, speak for this dynasty as a possible founder of the cave construction. However, the Mauryas are also an option ; their dynasty extended over the whole of western India, including its coastal areas, the Konkan . There are some writings in which the name "puri" is recorded as the main seat of these Mauryas. It is controversial whether the island "Gharapuri" (Elephanta), which is still called in the local vernacular today, is meant. It is possible that the Kalachuris ruled under the rule of the Mauryas or vice versa.
In any case, the coastal areas were taken over by the Chalukyas in the 7th century AD . With the death of Vikramaditya II./VI., The last great ruler of the Chalukyas, around 1130 AD, the empire disintegrated into individual rule. One of these lords were the Yadavas of Devagiri. They dominated until the area came under Muslim rule around 1290, especially under the Gujarat sultans (who resided in Ahmedabad in the 15th century ). From 1534 the island came into the possession of the Portuguese . In 1682 these were again replaced by an Indian rule - the Marathas - until Elephanta was taken over by the British in 1774 .
Elephanta Caves
There are several caves on the island, one of which is one of the most important works of Hindu sculpture with its intricately carved Shiva sculptures. Stalls with cool drinks and souvenirs line the path uphill to the main cave. Above the visitor is offered food and drinks as well as a terrace with a view of the sea. There are no overnight accommodations on Elephanta. The ferry ride from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to the island takes about an hour; the ascent to the main cave takes about 15 minutes, the tour with and without a guide takes about 1 hour.
