Tucked away in the suburb of Borivli, explore the beauty and rich history of Mandapeshwar Caves through a heritage walk led by a historian
A sculptural panel depicting Lord Shiva in his Nataraja form at Mandapeshwar Caves. Pics Courtesy/Riddhi Joshi
If we asked you to list a few caves situated in Mumbai, you would probably mention Elephanta, Kanheri or Mahakali right off the bat. While these caves have become a popular spot for city dwellers and tourists, there are a select few that often go unnoticed due to lack of historical knowledge. Historian Riddhi Joshi’s upcoming walk to the Mandapeshwar Caves in Borivli is for everyone — from the history buff searching for rare monuments or sites to add to their list or someone interested in knowing the history of the city.
The Eksar hero stones commemorate a naval battle between the Yadava and Shilahara dynasties
Mandapeshwar, or Montpezir caves, situated in Borivli is built using rock-cut architecture, a process of carving the hill or a stone formation itself to create sculptures or caves.” While there are no writings to trace the creator of the caves, based on its style, we believe it is contemporary or built later than the Elephanta Caves,” shared Riddhi Joshi, a historian and Assistant Professor of History at KJ Somaiya College of Commerce and Arts.
A view of the pillars at the Mandapeshwar Caves in Borivli
The heritage walk, led by the historian in association with Into the Past Heritage Research, involves a range of activities, from a walkthrough in the cave to understand its historical and cultural significance, a look at the herostones of Eksar, memorial stones measuring seven to eight feet commemorating a naval battle between the Yadavas and the Shilaharas, two prominent dynasties that ruled Maharashtra in medieval India and a live demonstration of a board game called Golaka Krida, a likely predecessor of the backgammon game mentioned in a 12th century book named Manasollasa, providing knowledge on social life, governance, sports and entertainment.
An Alquerque game
The cave houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which has been the subject of numerous strife in the past. “After the Portuguese arrived in India, they partially destroyed the cave and converted the temple into a church. After their defeat in the Battle of Bassein against the Marathas, it was restored back as a temple. People still come to perform puja during Shravan,” Joshi added.
Riddhi Joshi explains an ancient board game at a previous walk
“We want people to not just look at it as an old cave site but to ponder on the fact that these were a habitation of the people belonging to that period. One should look beyond the date and time, and notice their beauty just like buildings made thousands of years ago and admire and take care of them,” she sums up.
Riddhi Joshi
On: August 10; 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
At: Mandapeshwar Caves, Borivli West
Call: 8567156419/7559151824 (for registration)
Cost: Rs 999
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