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These launches showcase how Google is applying cutting-edge AI to cultural storytelling and interactive exploration.
Explore Elephanta Caves
An hour’s ferry ride away from Mumbai, on Elephanta Island, lies the Elephanta Caves – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Described by the UNESCO listing as the “most magnificent achievement in the history of rock-architecture in western India”, this network of 1500-year-old cave temples dates back to the 5th and 8th centuries AD.
Bringing a true jewel of ancient Indian art to the world, Google Arts & Culture, in partnership with CyArk, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and twelve other partner institutions, has launched “Explore Elephanta Caves”. The initiative enables audiences to virtually explore this ancient wonder, brought to life through cutting-edge technology, including 3D scanning and generative AI for immersive storytelling.
CyArk, along with Instucen Trust and ASI, used 3D Lidar scanning to digitally preserve Elephanta Caves’ main cave temple. (LiDAR is a mapping technology that uses laser light to create highly accurate 3D maps of various surfaces.). A dedicated team embarked on daily journeys to Elephanta, transporting their specialised equipment via small fishing boats.
On Elephanta, they meticulously captured over 6,500 photos and 197 laser scans. They also recorded crucial insights from experts like archaeologists Dr. Andre Baptista and Dr. Kurush Dalal. This devoted labour of love now brings the main cave’s intricate beauty to virtual audiences across the globe.Adding further depth to the digital exhibit is a curated collection of photographs contributed by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). Showcasing key archaeological artefacts unearthed on Elephanta Island including sculptures, pot sherds, and copper thals (ritual plates), the collection offers a rare glimpse into the religious practices and daily lives of the communities that once inhabited this sacred space for centuries.For the first time ever, audiences worldwide can embark on a “Talking Tour” of the Elephanta Caves — an interactive experience powered by Google AI that allows users to virtually explore the site while listening to contextual audio generated in real time. This innovative guide doesn’t just narrate; it responds. Users can ask questions along the way, unlocking a more personalised and immersive journey through the centuries-old monument.
This rich digital experience is housed within a cohesive online hub, created in collaboration with 15 cultural institutions. More than just ancient rock-cut sculptures, the Elephanta Caves represent a living testament to India’s artistic mastery and architectural ingenuity, a near-perfect embodiment of Indian art at its finest.
Food Mood
Google also introduces Food Mood: India Edition, a playful AI experiment that invites users to explore India’s rich culinary heritage through creative fusion. Food has long been a cornerstone of Indian culture, with flavours that shift dramatically every few miles. Each state offers its own culinary identity, shaped by distinctive spices, traditional cooking techniques, and recipes passed down through generations.
To experience the fusion, users simply select two regional Indian cuisines, and the recipe generator crafts a new dish, whether a starter, soup, main course, or dessert. Imagine combining the bold flavours of Maharashtra with Goa’s coastal zest, or blending Rajasthan’s royal spice palette with Kerala’s coconut-rich traditions. Each regional profile is carefully represented, offering a vibrant digital canvas of Indian gastronomy.
Powered by Gemini 1.5 Flash via Vertex AI, this experiment reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to sparking cultural curiosity and creativity. Both Food Mood: India Edition and the Elephanta Caves Talking Tour are now live on Google Arts & Culture.
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