Table of Content
- Elephants in Hindu and Buddhist Mythology
- The Elephant Symbol in Ancient Indian Art
- Elephants in Indian Tribal and Folk Arts
- Elephants in Gond Art
- Elephants in Madhubani Paintings
- Elephants in Bhil Art
- Elephants in Miniature Paintings
- Conclusion: Elephants a Major Icon in Indian Arts
From prehistoric times, elephants have been a significant symbol in Indian mythology and art. There are several references to elephants (Gaja in Sanskrit) in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Elephants are featured in the earliest cave paintings of the Indian subcontinent. From ancient times, elephants were considered a symbol of strength and prosperity. Due to their religious and cultural relevance, elephants are widely portrayed in Indian art.
In this article, let’s look at the symbolism and iconography of elephants in Indian arts and mythology.
Elephants in Hindu and Buddhist Mythology
Elephants are mentioned in ancient Hindu texts like Rigveda. According to Rigveda, Indra's vehicle is a white elephant known as Airavata. Hindu mythology says that when Devas and Asuras (Gods and Demons) churned the milky ocean, Airavata emerged from the ocean along with other precious objects. Ganesha, a prominent Hindu God, has the head of an elephant. Gajalakshmi, a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, is featured along with white elephants. Gajendra Moksham (rescue of the elephant Gajendra) is a popular story in Hindu mythology, where Vishnu saves an elephant named Gajendra from a crocodile.
Lord Krishna with elephants: Pichwai by Shehzaad Ali Sherani
According to Hindu mythology, the elephant is a symbol of power and stability. Skanda Purana, an ancient Hindu text, says that the earth is supported on the backs of four mighty elephants. Elephants are also a symbol of prosperity. In ancient India, elephants were considered one of the ‘seven jewels’ that symbolised the wealth and prosperity of a ruler.
According to Buddhist mythology, Maya Devi, Buddha’s mother, dreamed a white elephant entering her womb around the time she conceived Buddha. The white elephant is a symbol of purity and auspiciousness in Buddhism.
Majestic elephant Kalamkari art by Sudheer
The Elephant Symbol in Ancient Indian Art
Elephants were a dominant symbol in ancient Indian art. The cave paintings of Bhimbetka, which feature elephants, are at least 10,000 years old. Many seals and amulets featuring elephants were found in the prehistoric sites of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa. This shows that elephants fascinated Indian artists from ancient times.
Cream Paper Mache Elephant by Riyaz
Several sculptures of elephants were commissioned during the rule of Emperor Ashoka. One of the famous ancient sculptures is the elephant of Dhauli in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. In this sculpture, the elephant is depicted as emerging out of a cave. In many ancient Buddhist sites, like Sanchi, elephants are extensively carved. Elephants are also depicted in the ancient murals of Ajanta caves.
Regal Grace of Gajaraj, Madhubani Painting by Ambika Devi
Elephants in Indian Tribal and Folk Arts
Elephant in Sohrai by Manikchand Mahto
Tribes in India live in close connection with nature. Hence, their art often depicts birds, animals and plants. Elephants are a significant symbol in tribal arts. They are often portrayed as a part of the natural world as well as icons of strength, stability and prosperity.
Elephants in Gond Art
The Gond tribe, who reside in central India, mainly Madhya Pradesh, has a unique art form known as Gond Art. Gond art is famous for its colourful portrayal of natural themes. The lines, colours and patterns used in Gond art give it a unique identity.
Elephants are a popular motif in Gond art. In Gond art, sometimes elephants are depicted in black color, close to a real-life rendition. In the below Gond artwork, a mighty elephant is rendered in black, and intricate patterns unique to the Gond art add depth and complexity to this painting.
Elephant In Gond by Manoj Tekam
Gond paintings are known for their vibrant colours and playful portrayal of birds and animals. In the following Gond painting, an elephant is rendered creatively with bright colours and intricate patterns that are the signature of Gond art.
Elephant in Gond by Kailash Pradhan
Elephants in Madhubani Paintings
Madhubani paintings originate from the Mithila region of Bihar and are one of the most famous forms of folk art in India. Madhubani paintings often depict events in rural living and natural settings. Madhubani paintings often use natural pigments to portray colours like greenish-black, lemon-yellow, yellow-ochre, blue, black and white.
Elephant in Madhubani by Ambika Devi
Elephants are an important symbol in Madhubani paintings. Elephants are often depicted as a pair, painted in vibrant colors and intricate designs. They are often shown in a natural setting, either as a part of the Tree of Life motif or playing under a tree.
Elephants under Tree of life with marine illustration: Madhubani by Vibhuti Nath
The vibrant Madhubani paintings celebrate the harmony of humans, animals, and nature. They are symbols of peaceful coexistence. Elephants are often portrayed in Madhubani paintings as part of the natural setting. They also symbolise strength, stability, and prosperity.
A Royal Elephant in Madhubani by Ambika Devi
Elephants in Bhil Art
Bhil art is a vibrant form of art that primarily uses dots to create beautiful images. It’s practiced by the Bhil community, who worship nature and forest deities. So, harmonious coexistence with nature is a major theme of Bhil paintings.
Elephant with a Tree, Bhil Art by Geeta Bariya
Every Bhil painting is a visual narrative that tells a story through the canvas. Plants and animals are a crucial part of this narrative. Bhil paintings often feature vibrant elephants using dots. These elephants are often depicted as standing under a tree, in the company of other animals. Portraying elephants with other animals shows the peaceful co-existence in nature.
The playing elephant, Bhil Art by Geeta Bariya
While elephants denote strength and stability, Bhil art portrays them in a rather playful mood. The elephants often have ornamental ears and extra-long tusks and are often depicted in dynamic postures.
Elephants are also often depicted in tribal and folk art forms like Sohrai paintings, Batik art, Phad paintings, and Kalamkari paintings. In most of the tribal arts, elephants are portrayed as a symbol of strength and loyalty. They are often portrayed as a part of the tree of life, and also along with other animals, birds and humans to denote harmonious living, practiced by these tribal and folk cultures.
Dynamic Majesty: The Elegance of Batik Elephant in Motion by Prakash Yasala
Elephants in Miniature Paintings
The miniature paintings are a fusion of the indigenous Indian style that dates back to the 6th-7th BCE and the Persian school. In India, it evolved into the Mughal miniature painting under the patronage of Mughal emperors like Shah Jahan, Akbar and Jahangir. Mughal miniature paintings use a realistic style to portray humans, birds and animals.
An Elephant at Move in Miniature Painting by Mohan Prajapati
The tribal and folk arts portray elephants in a myriad of colors and styles. In contrast, the miniature style portrays elephants as close to their true form and colors. This realistic rendition of elephants lend an air of majesty and elegance to these paintings. The miniature paintings also focus on the very accurate detailing of the elephant’s form.
An Elephant in Miniature Painting by Mohan Prajapati
Conclusion: Elephants a Major Icon in Indian Arts
From prehistoric times, elephants have been a significant part of Indian culture and art. From cave paintings to folk arts, from ancient sculptures to contemporary art, elephants have been widely portrayed in Indian arts. In Hindu and Buddhist mythologies, an elephant is a sacred animal that symbolises strength, stability, loyalty and prosperity. Various communities in India revere and adore elephants, which has resulted in a rich tapestry of art forms that portray elephants.
Gajendra Moksha-2 in Assamese Miniature (Sattriya) by Mridu Moucham Bora
References:
- The Elephant-Lore of Hindus by Franklin Edgerton
- Depiction of Elephants in Indian Art, Journal of History, Art and Archaeology by Niharika, Chief Editor, ‘Arnava’ Research Journal
- GAJA as depicted in Indian Arts and Crafts, Dr. Sanghamitra Rai Verman Hindu College, University of Delhi
- Elephants in Art, Architecture and History of Orissa, Orissa Review, June - 2008
