Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on an island called Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in the Sea of Oman close to Mumbai (Bombay) in Maharashtra, India. It contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave. The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. The caves, hewn from solid basalt rock, were originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain.
