Question map
Which one of the following statements about the Elephanta Island is correct?
Explanation
Elephanta Island, locally known as Gharapuri, is associated with the Pashupata sect of Shaivism. The caves were likely commissioned by the Kalachuri dynasty, who were great devotees of Shiva and followers of the Pashupata cult. This sect, established around the 2nd century by Lakulisha, is considered the earliest Hindu sect to worship Shiva as the supreme deity. Regarding other options, the island was named 'Elephanta' by the Portuguese, not the British, after they discovered a life-size stone elephant statue at the entrance [1]. The site consists of multiple caves, including five Hindu and two Buddhist caves, rather than just one. While the island is famous for the 'Maheshmurti' or 'Trimurti'—a three-faced bust of Shiva—it is not primarily known for a carving of Vishnu described in the Vishnudharmottara Purana.
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Architecture > p. 115