Amdavad ni Gufa

Amdavad ni Gufa is an underground art gallery in Ahmedabad, India. Designed by the architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi, it exhibits works of the Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain. The gallery represents a unique juxtaposition of architecture and art. The cave-like underground structure has a roof made of multiple interconnected domes, covered with a mosaic of tiles. On the inside, irregular tree-like columns support the domes. It was earlier known as Husain-Doshi ni Gufa.There are facilities for special painting exhibitions and for projecting films. Gardens and a café are located above ground.EtymologyThe gallery is called gufa because of its resemblance to a cave. It was known earlier as Husain-Doshi ni Gufa, after its architect, B.V. Doshi, and the artist, M.F. Husain. Later it was renamed after the city of Ahmedabad, known locally as Amdavad.DevelopmentThe structure's contemporary architecture draws on ancient and natural themes. The domes are inspired by the shells of tortoises and by soap bubbles. The mosaic tiles on the roof are similar to those found on the roofs of the Jain temples at Girnar, and the mosaic snake is from Hindu mythology. The Buddhist caves of Ajanta and Ellora inspired Doshi to design the interior with circles and ellipses, while Husain's wall paintings are inspired by Paleolithic cave art. The interior is divided by tree trunks or columns similar to those found at Stonehenge.