Google Arts and Culture launches AI-powered experiences in India: Explore Elephanta Caves and food mood fusion
Elephanta Caves
, uses advanced 3D scanning and generative AI to recreate the 1500-year-old
UNESCO World Heritage site
, complete with an immersive 'Talking Tour' that brings ancient stone to life. The second,
Food Mood: India Edition
, is a playful AI experiment built on
Gemini 1.5 Flash
, allowing users to discover and remix regional Indian flavours into imaginative fusion recipes one delicious algorithm at a time.
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.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You
Mobility Scooter | Search Ads
Learn More
Undo
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Good Times Begin for these zodiac signs from 6 July as Ketu changes nakshatra
From July 6 to July 20, 2025, Ketu, the karmic body in Vedic astrology, will transit through the Purva Phalguni nakshatra, a Venus-ruled lunar mansion associated with pleasure, relationships, creativity, and inner fulfilment. Though Ketu typically severs attachments and dissolves illusions, its brief movement in this Venusian nakshatra brings a rare opportunity: spiritual clarity, deep emotional connection, artistic inspiration, and karmic ease—especially for certain zodiac signs. Purva Phalguni symbolises the "resting couch" —a space of indulgence after effort, sensual celebration, and sacred union. When Ketu transits here, instead of detachment, we're invited to experience pleasure with presence, deepen creative expression, and reconnect with soulful partnerships. This aligns with a karmic twist: relationships that have been forced or purely transactional may organically deepen—or dissolve gracefully—during this time. Let's explore how this transit brings subtle yet significant positive shifts for these zodiac signs: 1. Leo Ketu's transit dissolves excess self-focus, allowing a more authentic creative voice to emerge. You'll find that your self-expression feels more effortless and deeply resonant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 새로 나온 '실비보험' 최적가 비교가입! "月 보험료 낮추고, 보장은 든든하게"... 굿리치 [등록번호:제2006038313호] 가입하기 Undo Whether you're a painter, writer, musician, or public speaker, inspiration arrives with grace—you feel guided rather than forced. Emotional walls drop, and it's easier to speak from the heart. If a relationship with a partner or friend felt stale, this transit may re-ignite mutual appreciation and warmth without drama or pretence. 2. Libra During these two weeks, Ketu asks you to deepen your emotional intimacy through presence rather than romance. If you've felt distant in romantic or creative partnerships, this transit may soften hearts. Quiet, shared moments—like watching the sunset in silence, heartfelt long walks, or spiritual readings together—bring unexpected closeness. You'll feel less pressure to 'perform' love and more trust in the power of shared stillness. Ketu clarifies: a relationship is prosperous when it nourishes soul-level connection, not only social appearance. This period will strengthen bonds that previously felt surface-level. 3. Pisces During this Ketu transit, you will feel an inner reset—your highest vision comes into sharper focus. If you've been drifting, this transit clears the fog. Spiritual quests, visionary goals, sacred travel plans, or creative projects with deeper meaning come to the forefront. You may experience sudden clarity about your next chapter: writing a book that heals, starting a spiritual podcast, or developing a healing‑arts practice. Ketu helps detach from what is trivial and brings divine flow into your calling. Expect moments of inspiration, symbolic dreams, or signs that 'your work matters.' 4. Taurus Taurus natives may experience a flow in abundance, especially when rooted in creative service or authentic self-expression. During this transit, ideas that combine art and income—like launching a workshop, creating soulful jewellery, or offering spiritual guidance—feel especially supported. Unexpected income sources may emerge, often from spiritual or service-oriented work. Ketu dissolves blocks caused by fear or "shoulds," clearing space for inspired innovation that brings both enjoyment and financial ease. Avoid pushing for results; instead, if something feels 'right' but lacks logic, follow the intuitive impulse. 5. Aquarius Ketu's transit can introduce subtle yet potent karmic boosts, especially in creative, spiritual, or behind-the-scenes roles. Creative ideas or spiritual projects that previously felt stalled may suddenly gain life. This transit favours intangible values like energy work, writing, and spiritual design that accumulates quietly. Abundance may come unexpectedly through passive streams, such as a book, digital course, or art installation, without needing aggressive promotion. Ketu helps you recognise that sometimes the seeds planted in solitude bear fruit over time, shifting your career trajectory with light but meaningful momentum. 6. Aries During these 14 days, you may experience a romantic or creative deepening, especially with existing partners or inner love for a spiritual project. Where you might normally push or compete, this transit asks you to support and surrender. Letting your guard down with someone who's earned your trust can bring a renewed sense of unity and depth. If you're single and seeking connection, this transit makes it easier to attract someone aligned with your emotional depth, not ego or drama. Old karmic wounds in love begin shifting, making space for evolution and compassion within your romantic life. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Viral video: Lara Trump and Pete Hegseth seem exhausted as they train with U.S. soldiers
Source: X On July 5, 2025, a new episode of My View with Lara Trump—the Fox News show hosted by President Trump's daughter-in-law—gave viewers of what a basic training for the US military looks like as Laura Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took part in an intense training session at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C. — RT_com (@RT_com) Clips shared on social media show the duo breaking a serious sweat as they powered through a series of physically demanding drills—running, squats, and even heavy lifting. Both looked visibly exhausted but stayed committed to finishing the workout alongside active-duty service members. The physical challenge was part of a larger interview segment where Laura Trump sat down with Secretary Hegseth to discuss defense priorities and his hands-on leadership style. 'You get honest feedback, which is exactly what I want,' Hegseth told Lara during their conversation. 'I want to close the gap between the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army.' Hegseth is no stranger to training in the field. He frequently posts videos showing him exercising with soldiers, often using these moments to stay connected and gather unfiltered insights from the ranks. After the workout, Hegseth addressed the troops directly, offering heartfelt thanks for their service and commitment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Зачем на ночь сжигают лавровый лист? Undo He also relayed a message from President Trump, the Commander in Chief: 'He has your back.' During a more personal moment in the interview, Laura Trump reflected on how if one enters the administrative services the entire family serves with them. Pete Hegseth agreed, sharing how vital his family's support has been throughout his journey. 'I couldn't have done this without my wife—she's my rock,' he said. He went on to speak about his role at home, where he's simply 'Dad' to his kids. He elaborated that they don't understand what he does but he hopes that being exposed to this kind of environment inspires them someday. Pete Hegseth is currently married to Jennifer Rauchet, his third wife. The couple tied the knot in 2019, two years after the birth of their first child together. Hegseth is now a father and stepfather to seven children. He has three biological children—Gunner, Boone, and Rex—from his second marriage to Samantha Deering. With Jennifer Rauchet, he shares a daughter, Gwen.
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Actress Umashree performs solo play ‘Sharmishte'
Pic: A scene from the play Sharmishte Belagavi: A solo play, 'Sharmishte,' by the Bengaluru troupe of Rangasampada, featuring renowned actress and politician Umashree , was performed on Saturday at the Lokmanya Rangamandira in Belagavi. Actress Umashree appeared as Sharmishte in the solo play. The original Marathi novel 'Yayati' by VS Khandekar was translated into Kannada by VM Inamdar. On this basis, Sharmishte is an important character in the play 'Yayati,' written by Jnanpith Award-winning author Girish Karnad . Although she is a princess, the turmoil in her mind and the pain she experiences as a woman when she works and lives as a slave to Devayani is the plot of this play. Umashree succeeded in winning the hearts of the audience with her acting. The play was written by the emerging playwright Beluru Raghunandan. It was directed by the stage director and former director of Mysore Rangayana, Chidambar Rao Jambe. The music for this play was by Anush Shetty. The costume design, stage decoration, and stage equipment were by Pramod Shiggao. On the occasion, artist Umashree was felicitated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Como corrigir as bolsas nos olhos (Faça isso todos os dias) Notícias | Beleza | Mulher Saiba Mais Undo Dr Basavaraj Jagajampi, Prof MS Inchal, LS Shastri, Jayant Joshi, Dr Sarajoo Katkar, Ravi Bhajantri, Surekha Desai, Jyoti Badami, Ramachandra Katti, Gurunath Kulkarni, Prasad Karajol, Anant Pappu, Padma Kulkarni, Yogesh Deshpande, Chidanand Walke, Vinod Sappannavar, AM Kulkarni, and dignitaries were present.
