World Heritage Identification Number: 244
World Heritage since: 1987
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇮🇳 India
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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Elephanta Caves: A Testament to Ancient Indian Artistry
The Elephanta Caves, officially known as the 'City of Caves', constitute a remarkable ensemble of rock-cut temples nestled on an island in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai, India. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, these caves have been a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of ancient India.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The 'City of Caves', on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Mumbai, contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave.
Encyclopedia Record: Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves form a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva; UNESCO has designated them as a World Heritage Site. They are located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) east of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) west of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, features five Hindu caves, a few Buddhist stupa mounds that date back to the 2nd century BCE, and two Buddhist caves with water tanks.Additional Site Details
Area: Not available
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
Coordinates: 18.96667 , 72.93583
