(Image credit: https://twitter.com/archeohistories) Did you know that one of the oldest optical illusions in the world is in India? Indian architecture always surprises the world. With the advent of social media, it is increasingly easier to spread the word globally about little-known facts about our rich architectural history. One of the oldest optical illusions is at the Airavatesvara temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Here are some interesting facts about this optical illusion: It is said that the carving dates back to 12th century Dravidian architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful works from Chola architecture. The carving features an elephant and a bull with the same head. The striking beauty of the optical illusion is that it is so perfectly carved in stone that it is difficult to distinguish the head from the animal.
In carving, the elephant’s tusks are the bull’s ears. The elephant’s trunk is the bull’s hump. The bull’s ears serve as the elephant’s mouth, if you look closely. Other physical features of the animals are distinct from each other and completely complement the features of the head. Airavat means elephant which is revered in Hinduism. It is the vehicle of Lord Indra. Bull has great religious significance in Hinduism and is the carrier of Lord Shiva. Some websites claim that what you see first in an engraving is mostly influenced by your dominant features; however, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
