Working for over eight months at a stretch, the Wadars tibals arrive at Elephanta Island to recreate the old magic of the caves by breaking stones and carving out strikingly-similar patterns as the original
Working for over eight months at a stretch, the Wadars arrive — 74 of them — at Elephanta Island to recreate the old magic of the caves by breaking stones and carving out strikingly-similar patterns as the original. Photo: Gajanan Khergamker
After a long day at work, starting from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, the Wadar tribals retreat for the day to join their families at a temporary settlement next to the caves housing them during their stay on Elephanta Island. Photo: Gajanan Khergamker
ASI monument attendant Vikas Shinde (seated) and Vishnu Rawool (in a green shirt) overseeing the Wadar tribals at work on Elephanta Island as they re-create history. Photo: Gajanan Khergamker
Fifty-six-year-old Wadar Bhagwan Bhikaji Pawar chips away at a rock with expertise much like his father and septuagenarian Bhikaji, who also breaks stones back at Pathardi village in Ahmednagar district. Photo: Gajanan Khergamker
Most of the present-day Wadars are educated but break stones as its part of their family tradition. Nagar-based Sunil Bhagwan Pawar works to re-create an artistic carving along the wall circumventing the Caves at Elephanta Island Photo: Gajanan Khergamker
