India Mint Stamp
Lokith Philately
Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Maharashtra
Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Maharashtra
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers
Date of issue: 26.01.1977
Date of issue: 26.01.1977
Pin code: 400001
Pin code: 400001
Status: Active
Status: Active
PO Name: Mumbai
PO Name: Mumbai
Description: Elephanta Caves, situated on Elephanta Island, known as ‘Gharapuri’ means City of Caves it is 10 km from Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a group of cave temples dedicated to the God Shiv. The island contains five Hindu caves and some Buddhist stupa mounds dating back to the 2nd century BC. The island was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534. The architecture belongs to the Gupta and Chalukya periods. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed between the 5th and the mid-6th centuries. The most important among them are the Trimurti and other colossal sculptures, which are examples of their beauty and unique artistic creativity. The main cave measures 39 mts. from the front entrance to the back entrance.
Description: Elephanta Caves, situated on Elephanta Island, known as ‘Gharapuri’ means City of Caves it is 10 km from Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a group of cave temples dedicated to the God Shiv. The island contains five Hindu caves and some Buddhist stupa mounds dating back to the 2nd century BC. The island was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534. The architecture belongs to the Gupta and Chalukya periods. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed between the 5th and the mid-6th centuries. The most important among them are the Trimurti and other colossal sculptures, which are examples of their beauty and unique artistic creativity. The main cave measures 39 mts. from the front entrance to the back entrance.
The structure of the caves, including the pillar components, the location and division of the caves into various parts, and the provision of the garbhagriha or sanctuary of the Sarvatobhadra plan, are significant developments in rock-cut architecture. The architecture spread around the main Elephanta Cave is related to Lord Shiva, which is an important repository of Shiva's glory. These caves are the most spectacular achievement in the history of rock architecture in this area. Some repairs have also been done on the façade and pillars to ensure the structural stability of these caves. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. India Post, Maharashtra Circle issued PPCs from two places on the same theme. The first one was from Mumbai GPO and the second one was from Elephanta Sub Post Office. The first PPC is not available now. This is the first instance of PPC from two places on the same theme.
The structure of the caves, including the pillar components, the location and division of the caves into various parts, and the provision of the garbhagriha or sanctuary of the Sarvatobhadra plan, are significant developments in rock-cut architecture. The architecture spread around the main Elephanta Cave is related to Lord Shiva, which is an important repository of Shiva's glory. These caves are the most spectacular achievement in the history of rock architecture in this area. Some repairs have also been done on the façade and pillars to ensure the structural stability of these caves. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. India Post, Maharashtra Circle issued PPCs from two places on the same theme. The first one was from Mumbai GPO and the second one was from Elephanta Sub Post Office. The first PPC is not available now. This is the first instance of PPC from two places on the same theme.