Sign up for a day-long historical walk at Elephanta Caves with a unique twist of art
The Trimurti sculpture at the Elephanta caves
Mumbai’s origins lie in its historically diverse and multi-layered heritage and history. Walking through the streets of Fort or Churchgate can easily take one back in time to a different era. To sate this curiosity, archaelogist Ashwini Gawli and her friends have come up with a heritage walk followed by an onsite sketching session at the Elephanta Caves on the eponymous island. The day-long activity, followed by lunch at an MTDC restaurant, is open to everyone. The idea behind the session is to grab the opportunity to explore the islands before they are closed for the monsoon.
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Sketch of Maheshmurti by Ashwini Gawli
Bound by a love for heritage, Gawli, along with Raamesh Gowri Raghvan, Omkar Salunke, and Biplov Belel, started Bombay Yubokumins, Japanese for nomads. The venture attempts to provide a new perspective on the idea of heritage walks and also offers a chance to acquire knowledge about the city, its people, and their stories. She had also conducted several historical walks at Karla, Mandapeshwar, Bhaja, and Mahakali Caves before the pandemic struck.
Gawli shares, “My studies and expeditions on subjects such as ancient board games of India, antiquity of Baradevi in Parel, and the art of cave temples and monasteries, made me fall deeply in love with the history and heritage of India. These walks are an attempt to bring people closer to the city’s story and history.”
Ashwini Gawli
The idea for a sketching session struck the 26-year-old during her visit to one of the sites where she used art as a medium of documentation. She believes that we first learn to draw as children, before we even learn how to write. Art helps us on the path of questioning, expressing, and learning with each passing day.
“I realised that the intimacy created when you are observing something while trying to sketch it gives birth to a sense of curiosity about why something is the way it is. It is these questions that push you to try and learn more and, in the process, you can connect with the past,” she signs off.
On: May 22, 10.30 am
Meeting point: The Gateway of India
Call: 8369913918
Cost: Rs 1,000 including lunch
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