Dr Anita Rane Kothare with the rock cut sculpture of Shiva discovered at Parel

Located 10 kms off Mumbai, the Elephanta or Gharapuri Island Caves date back to the 5th century BCE. The artwork though holds a distant connection to another UNESCO World Heritage site nominee —  the petroglyphs of Konkan.

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Among the early explorers of the petroglyphs in the Konkan region, Dr Kothare says, “Konkan is known as ‘aparanta’ —  an aloof land. It is a province separated from the Deccan plateau by the Sahyadris.” To cross inland, or to go to sea, these early travellers would often have to pass through the ranges. In their journey though, these groups of pioneering artists moved through locations including Sewri,  Parel, Ghatkopar and Thane.

Dr Kothare expressed, “The reason they did not venture down south Mumbai was that it was out of their way. They had to journey inwards to Gujarat.” Elephanta was one such station on this journey inland. 

For now, the participants of the seminar will undertake a similar journey through the historical caves with Dr Kothare. It is not all thought, the expert kindly adds, there is also an inviting breakfast, and a certificate, involved for those joining the session. After all, you cannot walk through history on an empty stomach.

On April 17 
Meeting Time 8 am, Gateway of India  
Call 8080039207 (Kashak Soni); 7506187039 (Kashvi Desai) 
Cost Rs 600