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"A trip to Elephanta is always appealing, since it involves a withdrawal from the distractions and disturbances of Mumbai. Several journeys have to be undertaken in order ro reach the caves: water must be crossed, a mountain climbed and a cave entered. For many people, this passage across, upward and inward is more than a mere excursion: it is a progression towards the world of God, a pilgrimage to Shiva's temple. Even for those unfamiliar with the myths visualized so forcefully in stone, the sculptures can be appreciated for their outstanding artistic qualities.
Indeed, they are among the greatest masterpieces of Hindu Art in its formative phase of development that lasted from the 4th to the 9th century AD. "
Preface
Elephanta
George Michell
On our visit to Elephanta Caves, chanced upon this book being sold in the stalls on the steps. I had read the author's book on Hampi earlier so I knew it should be good.
The book is probably the only one of its kind on Elephanta filled with detailed research including plan of the caves, stories behind each of the Shiva sculpture panels, descriptions of the figurines and accounts of Elephanta by earlier travellers.
The book has some nice prints of early engravings, colour photographs and ancient maps. Its printed on high quality glossy paper.
Highly recommended for those interested to know about Elephanta in detail. Do buy off Amazon or in Mumbai at a reputed bookstore. The stalls near Elephanta will try to cheat you into buying it 4 times higher than MRP!
