The Elephanta Caves , located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, about 11 Km off the coast of the Gateway of India, Mumbai, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to these caves, excavated probably in the 6 th century CE, is awe-inspiring, and also thought-provoking. Over the years, I have visited the caves a number of times, and also attended a number of talks by experts in the fields of art, history and archaeology on the caves. Together, they help me understand these caves, their art, and the people they were created for, just a little bit better. Every new visit, every new talk, every new article I read about the caves, fleshes out the image of what the island and the caves would have been like, at their peak. I last wrote about the caves on this blog, in 2011, almost exactly 11 years ago. Since then, my understanding of the caves has, I would like to think, marginally improved. Hence this attempt to write a new and updated post, trying to bring to life, the caves of Elephan
The lanes are narrow , twisting and turning amidst buildings old and new. Crumbling old structures with intricate workmanship stand side by side with art deco buildings, and more modern constructions, which follow no particular style. Autos, bicycles, motorcycles and vans rush past, blowing their horns as loudly as possible, while cows saunter past peacefully, completely unaffected by the noise. In the midst of all this chaos, children play by the side, and women go about their chores, as we explore these by-lanes of Bikaner, and its beautiful Havelis. Facade of one of the Rampuria Havelis
Season's Greetings and Happy New Year
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family Anu.
ReplyDeleteFantastic decorations. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Anu.
ReplyDeletePretty decoration of the Christmas Tree. Merry Christmas to you and your family Anu:)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a full grown fir! Lovely decorations and no guesses for what the gifts are :D
ReplyDeleteWish you too a very happy new year Anu..!
ReplyDeleteNicely done xmas tree. Happy 2012 to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteWish you Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Wishing you, your hubby and Samhit a very very happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pradeepa! Wish you a very happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Zephyr! guess I am predictable that way :)
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Sridharan!!! wish you a great year ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chitra! wish you too a great year ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rajesh! wish you a great travel filled year ahead!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, PNS!! Wish you and your family too a great year ahead!!
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