Project Gaja-Lok: INTACH Launches Landmark Initiative on Asian Elephant Heritage

Project Gaja-Lok, launched by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) on 18 November 2025, is a first-of-its-kind transnational initiative dedicated to exploring the cultural, historical, and ecological legacy of the Asian elephant. This unique culture–nature project highlights how elephants have shaped civilizations across Asia—from mythology and architecture to ecology and climate resilience.

The project officially begins with a public exhibition (19–25 November 2025) and a Roundtable on 20 November 2025 at INTACH, New Delhi.

What Is Project Gaja-Lok?

Gaja-Lok: Elephant Lands and their Cultural Symbolism in Asia is an INTACH-led programme aimed at:

• Documenting artistic and cultural depictions of elephants across Asia

• Studying their role in religion, mythology, and royal history

• Highlighting the ecological importance of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

• Promoting cross-border research and conservation collaboration

• Connecting culture, nature, climate resilience, and heritage

The initiative is organised by INTACH’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Division.

Key Highlights of Project Gaja-Lok

1. Gaja-Lok Exhibition (19–25 November 2025)

The exhibition showcases historical and artistic representations of elephants such as:

• Ajanta murals (Maharashtra)

• Indus Valley elephant seals

• Bharhut railings and Gajalakshmi carvings

• Konark Temple war elephant statue (Odisha)

• Sukhothai elephant structures (Thailand)

• Pre-Angkor Ganesha from Cambodia

• Panchatantra manuscripts

• Akbar’s encounter with the elephant Hawa’i (1561)

• Sri Lanka’s Nava Nari Kunjara

• Colonial-era photographs of ceremonial elephants

The displays beautifully capture how elephants have influenced art, architecture, spirituality, warfare, and storytelling.

2. Gaja-Lok Roundtable (20 November 2025)

Experts from India and across Asia will discuss:

• Human–elephant interactions through history

• Contemporary ecological challenges

• Ethical coexistence

• Elephant corridors and habitat fragmentation

• Climate resilience and cultural diplomacy

• Future of transnational elephant heritage projects

This multi-country dialogue positions the elephant as both a cultural icon and a symbol of ecological balance.

3. Lecture Series (19–25 November 2025)

INTACH will host talks by leading scholars:

• Prof Raman Sukumar – World authority on Asian elephants

• Vivek Menon – IUCN Species Survival Commission Chair

• Prof Pratyay Nath – Historian of South Asian cultures

• Dr Archana Shastri – Cultural heritage expert

These sessions deepen the academic foundations of the initiative.

Why Elephants Matter: Cultural & Ecological Significance

Cultural Importance

For thousands of years, elephants have shaped Asian civilizations:

• Revered as Lord Ganesha in India

• Symbol of power in royal courts

• Depicted in Buddhist and Jain traditions

• Featured in ancient texts like the Arthaśāstra

• Central to temple festivals in Kerala, Rajasthan, Nepal & Sri Lanka

They symbolize wisdom, strength, and cosmic harmony.

Ecological Importance

The Asian elephant is a keystone species, contributing to:

• Forest regeneration

• Seed dispersal

• Maintenance of grasslands

• Creation of ecological pathways

• Stabilizing wildlife ecosystems

However, they are listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

Why Project Gaja-Lok Is Important for India & Asia

1. Strengthens Regional Cultural Ties

Countries across Asia share a deep elephant heritage—India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar.
Gaja-Lok fosters cultural diplomacy and heritage cooperation.

2. Supports Conservation Efforts

It brings attention to:

• Protected elephant corridors

• Human–elephant conflict

• Climate impacts on elephant habitats

• Ethical coexistence models

3. Integrates Culture & Climate Action

The project shows how traditional knowledge can support:

• Climate adaptation

• Sustainable landscape management

• Wildlife protection strategies

4. Enhances India’s Global Soft Power

By leading transnational heritage projects, India strengthens its position as a cultural and environmental leader.

Conclusion

Project Gaja-Lok is a landmark initiative that connects Asia’s cultural past with its ecological future. By celebrating elephants as symbols of wisdom, power, and environmental balance, INTACH reinforces the importance of heritage conservation, wildlife protection, and regional cooperation.

This initiative stands as a reminder that safeguarding elephants is not just an ecological duty—but a cultural responsibility shared across civilizations.

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