Where is the Elephanta caves Located?
VerifiedAnswer: Mumbai
Explanation:
The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island, which lies in Mumbai Harbour, about 10 kilometers east of Mumbai city in Maharashtra, India. This makes Mumbai the correct answer as these ancient cave temples fall within the administrative boundaries of the Mumbai metropolitan area.
These magnificent rock-cut caves are a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The island was originally known as Gharapuri, meaning "the city of caves" in the local language. The name "Elephanta" was given by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century after they discovered a large stone elephant sculpture on the island.
The caves date back to between the 5th and 8th centuries CE and represent some of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture. The main cave, known as Cave 1, houses the famous Trimurti sculpture - a 20-foot tall three-headed bust of Lord Shiva that showcases three aspects of the deity: creator, preserver, and destroyer.
To reach the Elephanta Caves, visitors must take a ferry ride from the Gateway of India in Mumbai, which takes approximately one hour. The site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 due to its outstanding universal value and artistic achievements. The caves attract thousands of tourists and history enthusiasts every year who come to marvel at the intricate sculptures and learn about ancient Indian art and culture.
