Symposia & Conferences
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Item The Symbolism of the ‘Elephant’ in Asokan Art(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Pol, N.A symbol is an artistic device or a sign used to a convey information visually, through forms and shapes, thus eliminating the barriers of language. Symbolism is also a device or a language used to convey information visually, through forms and shapes, thus eliminating the barriers of language. The main difference in symbol and symbolism is that symbols are generally universal whereas only those who follow or understand that tenet of religion can comprehend the symbolism used in those structural edifices. Thus though elephant has been used as a decorative element in early art, the symbolism of the elephant is unique and is understood only with reference to the life and teachings of the Buddha. 3rd BCE Asokan art or the Mauryan court art is the archaeological evidence of the earliest Buddhist art of India. Nowhere else are there engravings of the four animals, Lion, Bull, Horse and Elephant except on the pillar capitals of the Asokan pillars where the symbolic representation of the four important events of the life of the Buddha and the Buddha himself are represented. The places where these pillars are placed and the messages they convey are clear evidence of symbolism. This paper will take into consideration the pillar capital of the Sankisa popularly called the ‘Elephant capital’, the ‘Elephant in motion’ from the Sarnath pillar capital, the ‘gajotama’ engraved on the major rock inscription of the Kalsi and the ‘Emerging Elephant’ seen at the Dhauli major rock inscription to understand the symbolism used by the emperor Asoka. The ‘elephant motif’ in the Mauryan coins will also be discussed to understand the symbolism. The paper discusses why the elephant has been used in these pillar and rock inscriptions by the emperor. What is the symbolic meaning of the elephant with reference to the teachings of the Buddha and what is the message conveyed through this art? How has the Mauryan art influenced the Buddhist art of India and abroad. Is there a necessity to know the life and teachings of Buddha to understand the Asokan Art?Item Symbolism of Elephants in Buddhist Art and Religion(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kejriwal, M.“It is better to live alone, there is no companionship with a fool; let a man walk alone, let him commit no sin (let him do) with few wishes, like an elephant in the forest.” - Buddha 330, Dhammapada Through theorising Buddhist teachings and the parable of elephants, one gets to know the value of elephants from a Buddhist perspective. In Asian culture, living symbols are a significant aspect of religion; the image of an elephant symbolizes wisdom and strength. The Asian elephants are admired for their memory power and intelligence. Symbols are not just a cultural creation but are the manifestation of mental creation, an inner vision, experienced at a much deeper level by Buddhists. In a Buddhist context symbolism represents certain aspects of Buddha dharma through Buddhist art. The Buddhists relate the symbolism to the karmic activity that manifests in the physical world. Elephants in Buddhism are regarded as one of the ratna of the seven royal ratna of Chakravartin King. These ratnas were used as symbols and motifs in the earliest Buddhist art of Amaravati and Nagarjunikonda stupas. Elephants in Buddhist art and religion if understood from the perspective of symbolism, carry intellectual intent apart from their socio-cultural, psychological and aesthetical aspects. This paper will be an attempt to explore the representation of elephants in Buddhist art and religion from the perspective of symbolism.Item Symbolic Elephant Motif in Traditional Indian Textiles and Embroideries(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumar, V.The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is the only living species of the genus Elephas and distributed in Southeast Asia from India in the west to Borneo in the east. India had always been known as the land that portrayed cultural and traditional vibrancy through its conventional arts and crafts. Widely used as motif in Indian textiles, Elephant is a symbol of wisdom, fertility, prosperity, strength and royalty. Elephants are important in Indian mythology too. Lord Ganesha bears an elephant head, symbolizing great intellect and wisdom. As vahan of Indra, the Vedic deity, the elephant is associated with rain and fertility. It was depicted on the seals excavated from Indus valley sites and on the Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Elephants are also a symbol of royalty. In Asian cultures, the elephant is a symbol of good luck, happiness and longevity and have been interpreted in the motif as the result of religion, customs, natural surroundings and social beliefs of that particular area to which its creator belongs. A motif is the most basic unit or the smallest unit of pattern. The motifs in textile design may be classified as geometric, realistic or natural, stylized and abstract and are linked to natural, cultural, religious and socio-economic factors prevailing in any society. Though always speculative, the meaning of the motifs used in decoration of textiles may change with cultural context but the symbolic meaning of various motifs remains the same wherever they are applied, be it the famous Pipli applique work of Orissa, Madhubani paintings of Bihar, Patola Ikat weaves of Gujarat, Pochampalli weaves of Andhra Pradesh or the little known Manjoosha painting of Bihar.