And the sixth and seventh cave is dedicated to the believer of Buddhism. They remind visitors of the ancient culture of India and the importance of religious customs and worship within this society. All caves are carved from single stone – in between 5th A.D and 8th A.D. Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island, also known as village of Gharapuri. Straight … Others claim that the caves … On a clear day, you can see the Elephanta Island in the skyline as a thin strip from Gateway of India; most likely the mist makes it impossible to see the island which is about 11 km from the shore. Incidentally, this period also marks the decline of Buddhism in India and the revival of the Brahmanical traditions. The caves are of historical importance and can be traced to the defeat of the Mauryan Rulers reining the Konkan kingdom by the emperor Pulakesi belonging to the Badami Chalukya dynasty in the battle of 635 AD. 10) has one of the largest seated Buddha figures. Elephanta caves are a group of ancient caves situated on an island near Mumbai. All of these caves are associated with the Theravada school of Buddhism. History. These caves are known for their larger than life sculptures of Lord Shiva. Caves were hewn in solid basalt – hard work even for contemporary tools. And the sixth and seventh cave is dedicated to the believer of Buddhism. Not only are the Elephanta Caves valuable for their anthropological and historical influence, they are also beautiful. History of Elephanta The most convincing of the theories on its origin tell Elephanta caves were executed during the period 450 to 750 AD. Elephanta Caves. Elephanta Caves are open for public viewing from 9 am to 5 pm on all days of the week, except Monday. • Ajanta’s oldest caves date from the 2nd-1st centuries BCE under the Satavahana dynasty: Caves 9 and 10 are chaitya halls; Caves 8, 12, 13 and 15A are viharas. 21 BUR IV.B.43 Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves (India) In view of the information provided by the Secretariat regarding the state of conservation of the Ajanta, Elephanta and Ellora Caves, and taking note with appreciation of the additional information provided by the Observer of India concerning the national and local efforts being made to safeguard these sites, the Bureau … Initially, caves were painted in bright colors – now the paint is gone and only traces of it remain. All elephanta islands considered very popularly and historical. Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples mainly dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Caves No.11 and 12 are some of the few caves in India with more than one storey. Cave 5 is unique among the Ellora caves as it was designed as a hall with a pair of parallel refectory benches in the centre and a Buddha statue in the rear.