Mahabalipuram, 1996: Close view of the central part of the “Descent of Ganges”.

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: A close view of the low central part of the “Descent of Ganges” (or “Arjuna’s Penance”) that is certainly among the main landmarks of the town. It is located near the base of the main town hill, next to the Krishna Mandupam. This is one of the largest rock relief in Asia, a wonderful example of rock cutting and stone carving, that dates back to the 7th century (as other monuments in the town), apart from its religious importance in the Hinduism. To comment with a banality, the elephant in foreground, which babies are visible, too, is magnificently reproduced and it stands out against the detailed background. This is the scan of a slide taken in July-August, 1996.