Sent: 11 Feb2017
Arrived: 28 Feb 2017
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Elephanta Caves
UNESCO site
Date of Inscription: 1987
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. The small island is dotted with
numerous ancient archaeological remains that are the sole testimonies to its
rich cultural past. These archaeological remains reveal evidence of occupation
from as early as the 2nd century BC. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were
constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. The most important among the
caves is the great Cave 1, which measures 39 metres from the front entrance to
the back. In plan, this cave in the western hill closely resembles Dumar Lena
cave at Ellora, in India. 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.
The 7-metre-high masterpiece “Sadashiva” dominates the
entrance to Cave 1. 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). Representations of Nataraja, Yogishvara,
Andhakasuravadha, Ardhanarishwara, Kalyanasundaramurti, Gangadharamurti, and
Ravanaanugrahamurti are also noteworthy for their forms, dimensions, themes, representations,
content, alignment and execution.
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. The Elephanta Caves emerged from a long artistic
tradition, but demonstrate refreshing innovation. The combination of aesthetic
beauty and sculptural art, replete with respondent Rasas, reached an apogee at
the Elephanta Caves. Hindu spiritualistic beliefs and symbology are finely
utilized in the overall planning of the caves.
Criteria (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.
Criteria (iii): The caves are the most magnificent
achievement in the history of rock-architecture in western India. The Trimurti
and other colossal sculptures with their aesthetic setting are examples of
unique artistic creation.
Source: UNESCO.org
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