On India's Elephanta Island, there is a collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu deity, Shiva, which are believed to be thousands of years old.

These structures, or Elephanta Caves, as they're called, have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their rich history.

Yet, these caves have mystified many including historians due to some of its mysterious yet hotly disputed origins.

Ancient Past

Prior to being named Elephant Islands, the island was called Gharapuri or "the city of caves". Archeologists have discovered proof of human civilisation dating back to some 2,200 years. While it is unclear by who or why were the caves even made, some historians believe the island itself was the capital of the Konkan Maurya kingdom which flourished during the 6th century C.E.

Shiva Temple

The majority of the sculptures pay homage to the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva. The Great Cave was believed to be the main prayer hall to worship the deity by the island's residents. There is a magnificent Trimurti sculpture which depicts Shiva with three faces in one of the caves.

Buddhist Influence

Prior to the island being occupied by Brahmins, Hinayana Buddhists utilised the island as a site for their practices. There is evidence of a huge stupa of Buddha erected with seven other tinier stupas around it.

Portuguese Invasion

The island eventually got its contemporary name after Portuguese invaders discovered a huge black stone elephant along the shore of the island. The stone, which has since collapsed, is currently housed at Mumbai's Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum. Much of the damage to the structures of these caves were done by the Portuguese who often used the carvings, sculptures and statues as target practice. Many pilgrims stopped coming to the temples for fear of their safety.

Taxes on Pilgrims

Under the British rule, the temple again became a pilgrimage site. The British seeing an opportunity to profit, began taxing pilgrims. The taxes were eventually waived during the three major festivals for Shiva in 1903.

Restoration

In the 1970s, the Indian government began the restoration process to turn the caves into a tourist and heritage site. In 1987, these caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to the United Nations, the caves are a representation of mankind's creative genius.

Photo source: Amaze Tours, Yatra, Shutterstock, UNESCO World Heritage Center, Ancient Pages, agefotostock, Goibibo,

Article Source: Lonely Planet, Culture Trip, India Tales,