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The elephant is one of the most sacred animals
in the Subcontinent. This majestic creature is
featured in the earliest extant cave paintings
discovered in South Asia, indicating their
importance. Elephants feature prominently in
Indian mythology and religion. The Buddha’s
mother
was said to have dreamt of a white elephant
before she gave birth to her son. The legendary
story of an elephant named Ashvatthama is
detailed in the epic poem Mahabharata. The
elephant is also regarded as the vahana, or
“carriage of the gods.” Likewise, kings on earth
often imitated their divine counterparts and rode
on the backs of elephants. This practice is
documented as early as the fourth century B.C.
when Alexander the Great battled with the Indian
King Porus. Elephants also served an active,
prominent role in war, both for their imposing
presence as well as their strength, durability, and
mobility. Throughout the history of the
Subcontinent, elephants have been revered as
represented in painting, sculpture, and textiles.
Today, Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of
prosperity and well-being, remains one of the
most popular deities in the Hindu pantheon.
This gorgeous sculpture of an elephant, carved
from luxurious lapis lazuli, a stone surely fitting
for this sacred creature, reveals the love and
admiration that Indian culture holds for this
amazing animal. Even under the rule of the
Muslim Mughal Dynasty, the elephant retained its
sacred status, as this sculpture clearly reflects.
Both a gorgeous work of art and a historically
significant artifact, this sculpture captures the
majesty and strength of the elephant, rendered
in one of the most valuable stones known to
mankind.
- (PF.6147)
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