Previous Year Question
The ancient monuments of Elephanta are mostly
Buddhist
Jain
Saivite
Vaishnavite
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
1
2
3
1 and 3
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Saivite.
The Elephanta Caves, known in ancient times as Gharapuri, are a group of rock-cut caves situated on Elephanta Island near Mumbai. The principal monuments and sculptures of these caves are mainly associated with Lord Shiva and the Shaiva tradition.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Elephanta has two principal groups of caves. The eastern side contains a smaller group associated with Buddhist remains, while the western side contains the principal group of five rock-cut Hindu temples. Thus, Buddhist remains are certainly present, but the predominant religious character of the monuments is Shaivite.
The most important Cave 1 at Elephanta is principally dedicated to Shiva. It contains a sanctum with a Shiva Linga, while its walls carry massive sculptures depicting different forms of Shiva and episodes associated with him.
The most famous sculpture is Sadashiva or Trimurti, representing three aspects of Shiva. Other important sculptures associated with Shiva include Nataraja, Yogishvara, Ardhanarishvara, Gangadhara, Kalyanasundaramurti, Andhakasuravadha and Ravananugraha. UNESCO also describes the monumental sculptures of the main cave as an important artistic expression of the cult of Shiva.