Historical Geography of Ancient India c9.100

c9.100

Gharapuri.—It is the well-known island of Elephanta in the harbour of Bombay about six miles north-east of the Apollo Bundar. Elephanta was the name given by the Portuguese owing to the fact that they found a large stone elephant standing at the entrance to the great cave. The caves of Elephanta are influenced by Brahmanism and Buddhism. Three of these caves are in ruins. A cave contains a Buddhist Caitya. Trimūrti or Brahmanical Trinity is found on the wall of the main hall.