In an unfortunate turn of events, a ferry en route to Elephanta Island, near the Gateway of India, Mumbai, carrying over 100 passengers, capsized. 13 people have died so far. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are engaged in rescue operations. Further, four helicopters are deployed for search and rescue (SAR) operations to rescue the remaining passengers. However, the irony is that video footage on X evidently captures a Navy speedboat colliding with the ferry and is suspected to be the sole cause of this disaster.
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Was it due to negligent overloading?
Out of the 110 passengers, 13 have been reported dead, while four are critically injured. The rest are stable. The Neelkamal ferry was on its way to the historic and ancient Elephanta island, a popular tourist destination about 10–13 kilometres from the Gateway of India. Chief Minister Fadnavis spoke to the press and said that the ferry capsized due to a speedboat that reportedly belonged to the Navy or Coast Guard colliding after losing control.
Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the possible reason, though there are videos on social media about a Navy speedboat being the cause. They are also not ruling out the overloading of the boat.
The year-end rush to visit Elephanta Caves
The year-end tourist influx may have caused this tragedy. The Island have been the host of archaeological remains since the 2nd BCE. The caves are rock-cut and date back to the 5th to 6th centuries AD. The similarity of the great Cave 1 to the Dumar Lena cave in Ellora (2nd–1st century BCE) gives the impression that the same people lived at these locations.
For this reason, this island is a popular tourist attraction.
For those interested in visiting, these caves are on Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea, on the western coast of Maharastra. It is around 10–13 km from the Gateway of India. Ferries operate daily, every 30 minutes between 9 AM and 3 p.m. The last one leaves the island at 5:30 PM. Please check with local authorities as soon as possible.
History of this UNESCO World Heritage Site
There are 7 caves, 5 Hindu and 2 Buddhist. Hindu caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the highlight is the 20-foot Three-Faced Sadashiva—the seven-meter-high masterpiece is truly an imposing single rock statue at the entrance of Cave 1. Its three faces are Bhairava or Aghora (left face), Mahadeva or Taptapurusha (central face), and Vamadeva or Uma (right face).
Though this island has archaeological remains dating back to 2 BCE, the caves are believed to be as old as 5th to 8th AD. The Chalykya and Rastrakuta dynasties supported it. It was named Elephanta by the Portuguese in the 16th century who found a large stone elephant, which is now at the Udyan Museum, Mumbai.
Other 4 caves have carvings of Nataraja in a Thandava pose, Shiva’s marriage to Parvati, and the demon Andhaka’s defeat.
Cultural and Religious Relevance
These caves indicate the religious and artistic confluence that is similar throughout south India, like Badami, Eihole, Pattadkal, Belur, Hale Beedu, etc. The 2 Buddhist caves, amidst 5 Hindu caves, reflect the syncretism of Indian art, blending both traditions.
Challenges to Preserving the Site
Being a popular tourist attraction, preserving such sites is a challenge. The caves have endured damage due to weathering and colonial activity. Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and UNESCO have joined hands to preserve the site from further damage and preserve it for future generations.
Accidents can happen, but do not hesitate to visit this wonder of India.
