1. Indian Painting B.A. II Dr. O. P. Parameswaran, Assistant Professor,
Department of Fine Arts,
Post Graduate Govt. College for Girls,
Sector-11, Chandigarh.

2. Unit-II: History of Indian Sculpture (BA-3)
Maheshmurti from Elephanta
The Rashtrakuta Dynasty.

4. The Rashtrakuta dynasty(8th to 10th c. A. D
The Rashtrakuta dynasty(8th to 10th c. A.D.), from being a feudatory of the Chalukyas of Badami(in Karnataka), soon rose to become supreme powers in the Deccan under the able leadership of Dantidurga, defeating the Chalukyas around 752 A.D. and ruling much of their territory and beyond

5. They initiated a period of saivate revivalism- the Elephanta and Ellora caves are examples of faith and fervour of these rulers. The rock-cut temple at Elephanta is one of the highest sculptural achievements in the Deccan during the 8th Century. Elephanta island (ancient Puri) is situated near Bombay.

6. While the sculptures in Ellora reveal souther influence, the carvings in the Elephanta caves show highest perfection reached by the native Deccan tradition unaffected by any outside influence

7. The massive , powerful forms remain simple and generalized , within firm outlines and deeply self-absorbed. The rounded volumes give the impression of dynamic vigour controlled by a dignified serenity

8. The sculptural panels at Elephanta resemble a picture gallery relating the stories of Shiva’s life to the worshippers- a fitting theme for a temple dedicated to this deity. The sculptures seem to move with changing light have a dramatic effect as the images emerge from the uniformly dark back-ground.