In his article for The Indian Express, mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik explores the profound cultural significance of elephants and horses in Indian civilization. He highlights that while elephants are indigenous to India, horses were introduced by foreign cultures, notably the Scythians and Kushans.
Elephants, native to India's tropical forests, were initially wild animals that posed threats to early human settlements. Over time, they were domesticated, aiding in creating pathways through dense forests. This transformation led to the emergence of the elephant as a symbol of obstacle removal, epitomized by the deity Ganesha. Elephants became integral to royal armies, capable of leading herds, destroying villages, and enforcing tributes, thus symbolizing power and prosperity. They were also associated with spirituality; white elephants with multiple trunks and tusks appeared in dreams of women who gave birth to great Buddhist and Jain sages.
Horses, introduced by horse-riding cultures like the Scythians and Kushans, brought significant changes to Indian warfare and iconography. Their arrival influenced the dynamics of power and the visual representation of strength and nobility in Indian art and culture.
Pattanaik's analysis underscores how these two animals, one native and the other foreign, have deeply influenced India's cultural and spiritual landscape. Their roles extend beyond utility, embedding themselves into the very fabric of Indian mythology, religion, and societal structure.
