History of Elephanta Caves (Gharapuri) / compiled by W.T. De Burgh.

  • De Burgh, W. T.
Date:
1901
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: History of Elephanta Caves (Gharapuri) / compiled by W.T. De Burgh. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    History of the Elephanta Caves ooo- 'HIS island is called Elephanta, or Gharapnri hy the Hindus. It was first named Elephanta by the Portuguese from a large stone elephant, which stood near the old landing-place on the south side o£ the island. This elephant was thirteen feet in length and seven feet and four inches in height, but its head and neck dropped off in September, 1814, and subsequently the body sunk down into a shapeless mass of stone, which, in 1864, was removed to the Victoria, Gardens in Bombay. These caves are supposed to have been made in the sixth century A. C. by the Hindu raja. King Banasura, King of Kanada. There are in all five caves, but seldom or ever are any visited but the Great Cave, which stands about 250 feet above the level of the sea. It faces the north and is entirely hewn out of a hard, compact species of trap rock. From the front entrance to the back it measures about 130 feet and measures the same from east to west ; its height is about 17 feet. This temple has not