Elephanta Island
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Overview
Elephanta Island in Mumbai harbour, about 5 km², holds the Elephanta Caves with the three-headed Shiva (Trimurti).
The island is about 10 km from the Gateway of India in Mumbai harbour.
It has two groups of caves: Hindu and Buddhist.
An undersea cable brought electricity to the island only in 2018.
The island is in Raigad district and has three small villages.
Visitors reach it by ferry from the Gateway of India.
The caves are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The island is part of Mumbai harbour's natural shelter.
Geography and key facts
- Mumbai harbour
- Elephanta Caves
- 10 km from Gateway
- Hindu and Buddhist caves
- Power in 2018
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on rock-cut art.
Note for UPSC
Mumbai harbour; the Elephanta Caves.
Questions cover island groups, channels between them and their geography.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Elephanta Island yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Island group
- State / UT
- Maharashtra
- Coordinates
- 18.960°N, 72.935°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.