The Indian Express has initiated a series aimed at UPSC aspirants, featuring insights from experts across various subjects, including history and culture. In a recent article, renowned mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik explores the cultural significance of elephants and horses in India. While elephants are native to the region and symbolize power and spirituality, horses were introduced by outsiders and became integral to warfare and mythology.
Elephants, thriving in India’s tropical climate, were domesticated to aid in transportation and labor, leading to their association with deities like Lakshmi and Indra. They were revered as royal animals, used in battles and ceremonies, symbolizing prosperity and strength. However, their inability to breed in captivity necessitated reliance on wild populations, making them both revered and challenging.
In contrast, horses arrived in India through invasions and became crucial in military innovations, such as chariots depicted in ancient texts like the Mahabharata. Over time, horse-riding hero-gods emerged, reflecting the evolving cultural landscape. The interplay between elephants and horses not only shaped India’s military and spiritual narratives but also influenced cultural artifacts like chess, highlighting their enduring significance in Indian heritage.
