India’s rich cultural heritage and incredible diversity have always been a source of inspiration for Google Arts & Culture. Here’s bringing two new experiences to global audiences at their fingertips—ready to be explored.
Celebrating India’s Ancient Artistry with a Virtual Showcase of the Elephanta Caves
Just an hour’s ferry ride from Mumbai lies Elephanta Island, home to the Elephanta Caves—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Described by UNESCO as “one of the greatest achievements in the history of rock architecture in western India,” these cave temples are about 1,500 years old, dating between the 5th and 8th centuries CE.
Bringing this gem of ancient Indian art to the world, Google Arts & Culture has partnered with SciArc, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), and 12 other institutions to launch “Explore Elephanta Caves.” This initiative allows viewers to explore this ancient marvel virtually—brought to life with cutting-edge technologies like 3D scanning and immersive storytelling powered by generative AI.
In May 2023, SciArc collaborated with Instucen Trust and ASI to digitally preserve the main cave temple using 3D LiDAR scanning (LiDAR is a mapping technology that uses laser light to create highly accurate 3D maps of surfaces). For a week, a dedicated team—including SciArc members who traveled to Mumbai to train local partners from Instucen—made daily boat trips to Elephanta with their specialized equipment.
On the island, they carefully captured over 6,500 photographs and 197 laser scans. They also recorded valuable insights from experts like archaeologists Dr. Andre Baptista and Dr. Kurush Dalal. This labor of love now brings the intricate beauty of the main cave to virtual audiences around the globe.
The digital exhibition is also enriched by a collection of photographs of important archaeological artifacts contributed by CSMVS. These objects—sculptures, pottery shards, and copper plates found on the island—offer a glimpse into centuries-old religious practices maintained by local communities who have long called Elephanta home.
For the first time, global audiences can take a “talking tour” of the Elephanta Caves. With this unique feature, anyone can explore the site virtually while listening to live audio guidance generated by Google AI. This innovative tool also allows users to ask their own questions, leading to a deeper, more personalized understanding of the site.
This collective online hub celebrates the cultural legacy of the Elephanta Caves, brought together in partnership with 15 institutions. The caves are far more than historical monuments—they stand as a vivid expression of ancient Indian artistry and engineering.
The CYARK and INTACH teams used to travel to Elephanta every day for a week by fishing boat, carrying their equipment.Get Inspired by Indian Cuisine and Explore Your Creativity in the Kitchen Using AI
Bringing to you Food Mood: India Edition, a new playful AI experiment inviting you to explore and create with India’s remarkable gastronomic heritage. Food is a deeply important part of Indian culture, and with the country’s incredible diversity, the flavors change every few miles. Each state tells its culinary story through unique spices, cooking techniques, and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
How do you experience the fusion of flavors?
Choose two regional cuisines from India, and let the recipe generator create something new for you. Pick whether you want a starter, soup, main course, or dessert. Imagine mixing the bold flavors of Maharashtra with Goa’s coastal influences—or perhaps blending Rajasthan’s royal spices with Kerala’s rich coconut-based traditions.
The flavor profiles of each region have been carefully presented, forming a digital canvas of India’s culinary diversity. Powered by Vertex AI and Gemini 1.5 Flash, this experiment helps you discover exciting fusion recipes that respect traditional techniques and inspire creative exploration in your own kitchen.
