The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has launched Project Gaja-Lok: Elephant Lands and Their Cultural Symbolism in Asia, a landmark transnational initiative that highlights the deep-rooted cultural, historical, and ecological legacy of the Asian elephant.
The project officially opens with a public Exhibition from 19–25 November 2025, followed by a Roundtable on 20 November 2025 at INTACH headquarters in New Delhi. Organised by INTACH’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Division, the programme brings together researchers, cultural historians, and conservation experts to foster a larger Asian dialogue around elephant heritage.
For thousands of years, elephants have influenced art, architecture, mythology, spirituality, and political symbolism across Asia. From ancient scriptures such as the Arthaśāstra to Buddhist and Jain traditions, and from Southeast Asian temples to Indian royal courts, elephants have remained enduring symbols of wisdom, power, prosperity, and cosmic balance.
Showcasing the Elephant’s Multi-Civilizational Journey
The Gaja-Lok Exhibition presents an expansive visual and cultural timeline, featuring:
- Indus Valley seals, Bharhut railings, and ancient sculptures
- Iconic Gajalakshmi depictions and Konark’s war elephant statues
- Southeast Asian masterpieces including pre-Angkor Ganesha figures and Thai Sukhothai elephant structures
- Historical manuscripts, royal chronicles, and ceremonial traditions
- Contemporary ecological narratives, including elephants in Nepal and South India
Through diverse artifacts and visuals, the exhibition illustrates how elephants have shaped spiritual life, artistic expression, and environmental understanding across generations.
Roundtable to Address Cultural and Ecological Futures
The Gaja-Lok Roundtable on 20 November will encourage collaborative research on:
- Human–elephant relations through history
- Current ecological challenges and climate vulnerabilities
- Ethics of coexistence
- Cross-border heritage and conservation strategies
The discussions aim to strengthen regional cooperation and create a unified vision for protecting elephant heritage across Asia.
To mark the occasion, INTACH is also hosting a series of talks (19–25 November) featuring leading elephant experts, including Prof. Raman Sukumar, Mr. Vivek Menon (IUCN SSC), Prof. Pratyay Nath, and Dr. Archana Shastri.
Project Gaja-Lok stands as a reminder that the story of elephants is deeply intertwined with human civilization—bridging art, ecology, memory, and future conservation efforts.
Source: PIB