Pleach India Foundation

#DeshKiDastaan The Tale of Bhima and the Elephants विषमेघपुञ्जानि यथा वायुः समुद्धतः। व्यभ्रमत्तानि कीर्तकानि तथैव पवनात्मजः॥ ते भीमवणगणपीठतः संख्याताः वियोमरेजाः। गर्भस्थितशिववर्तिस्य व्योममेघा नानबलहताः॥ "Just like strong winds scatter the clouds, Pavanaputra Bhima decimated those elephant platoons. These dead elephants piled up on each other were looking just like the intertwined shining clouds in the sky, illuminated by the sun rays." This verse from Mahabharata sets the stage for the scene immortalized in the sculpture on the walls of the #Hoysaleshwara Temple in #Halebidu. It depicts a pile of lifeless elephants, their massive forms stacked high like clouds, glimmering under the sun. These were no ordinary elephants. They were the mighty war elephants of the enemy, brought down by Bhima’s wrath. Among them lay Supratika, the most fearsome of all, defeated by the Pandava warrior. The sculpture shows Bhima, locked in fierce combat with Supratika. With his left hand, he grips the elephant’s massive trunk, his divine strength evident in every line of his form. In his right hand, he wields his heavy mace, striking with a force that shook the earth itself. The sculptor captured every detail: the tension in Bhima’s muscles, the determination in his eyes, the chaos of the battlefield that surrounded him. Above it all, clouds swirl in the sky, as if to signify that the pile of elephants slain by Bhima had reached the heavens. The scene is both violent and poetic, a masterful blend of destruction and divinity.

#MondayMotivation

#DeshKiDastaan   Remember the Kalinga War of 261 BCE, where the ruthless Chandashoka transformed into the beloved Devanampiya Ashoka? It was here, on the blood-soaked plains near Dhauli, that the fierce conqueror became a messenger of peace, forever changing the course of history.  Amidst the tranquility of Dhauli Hill in Odisha, an unfinished elephant emerges from the rock face. At first glance, it seems incomplete, but look closer. This sculpture isn’t just art, it’s a profound symbol. The elephant appears to step out of the rock, as though leaving behind the wilderness. It mirrors Ashoka’s own journey: from the dark forest of violence and ambition to the enlightened path of dharma and compassion.  The elephant represents many things: strength, wisdom and Buddha himself in the form of a white elephant, heralding a new era of enlightenment. Just as the animal emerges from the stone, Ashoka emerged from his own inner conflict, shedding the mantle of a ruthless emperor to become a guiding light for humanity.  Beside this sculpture, the Brahmi-scripted rock edicts, inscribed by Ashoka, proclaim his commitment to non-violence and the spread of Dhamma. Together, they form a timeless narrative etched in stone a narrative of transformation, humility and the enduring power of peace.  Even today, the unfinished elephant, carved over 2,300 years ago, captures a sense of becoming—a reminder that growth, like the sculpture itself, is an ongoing process.

#HeritageNews In a groundbreaking discovery, ASI has uncovered ancient copper plates, gold coins, and inscriptions during ongoing excavations at the renowned Srisailam Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The inscriptions on the copper plates and temple walls are expected to provide invaluable insights into the administrative, economic, and religious practices of the period. The gold coins, adorned with intricate designs and inscriptions, may also reveal information about trade, commerce, and governance during that time. Source: Times of India #Numismatics #ASI #Inscriptions #AndhraPradesh

#HeritageNews The inscription, etched on a stone tablet measuring seven feet in length and two feet in width, was found partially buried in an agricultural field. Symbols such as a trident, sickle, sword, boomerang, and a royal umbrella were engraved on one side, indicating that the merchant guilds had armed guards and royal privileges. Upon examination, the inscription was dated to the 14th regnal year of Chola King Uttama Chola, approximately 984 CE. It references two prominent merchant guilds of the time: Ainnurruvar and Valanjiyar. These guilds comprised merchants from various regions, including the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms, as well as the Velir and Adhiyaman clans, highlighting the extensive trade networks and collaboration among different Tamil regions. The inscription also reveals that these merchant guilds were involved in philanthropic activities, such as renovating water bodies, and maintained exclusive boomerang and elephant corps for protection during their travels. Source: The Hindu #inscriptions #Cholas #Tamilnadu #Indianheritage #ASI

#HeritageNews The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made remarkable discoveries during its ongoing excavations at the historic Ratnagiri Buddhist site in Odisha. The site, known for its rich Buddhist heritage, has yielded an array of invaluable relics. Among the most notable finds is a broken monolithic elephant statue, an awe-inspiring structure measuring five feet in length and over 3.5 feet in height. Experts have hailed it as one of the largest and most graceful sculptures of its kind ever found in Odisha. The excavation has also uncovered a colossal Buddha head, intricately carved sculptural fragments of Buddhist deities, and a variety of votive stupas made from both monolithic stone and masonry. Adding to the significance of the discoveries, the site has revealed an assortment of ancient brick and stone structures as well as a rich collection of ceramics. Source: @ASIGoI

Wrapping Up 2024 with Pleach! What a year it has been! From preserving cultural heritage to hosting enchanting Pleach Talks, exploring heritage sites, documenting treasures, and engaging in digital storytelling, we’ve celebrated and carried forward India’s rich legacy. Join us in 2025 for more discoveries, preservation journeys and timeless traditions! #pleachindiafoundation #pleachdesk #wrapup2024 #happynewyear #2025

#DrawnToHeritage In a world racing toward progress, we face a choice: honor our past or forget it. Heritage awareness is our higher self in action, it preserves landmarks, protects artifacts, and passes down cultural pride to future generations. It’s about staying rooted, learning from history, and celebrating the richness of our identity. On the flip side, historical amnesia is the ego’s shortcut. It erases stories, neglects heritage, and sacrifices meaning for short-term gains. This disconnection leaves us adrift, trading wisdom for convenience and culture for commodification. The stakes are high. Choose awareness—protect what defines us, build bridges between generations, and let the past guide the future. Our heritage isn’t just history; it’s who we are.

#MondayMotivation

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧? After attaining enlightenment, Buddha came to this serene spot to share his first sermon, setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion. Imagine the profound moment when the Four Noble Truths & the Eightfold Path were shared for the first time, shaping a spiritual legacy that continues to inspire millions. In Pleach Talk 59, Dr. Kulbhushan Mishra took us on a journey through the heart of Sarnath's history. He shared stories of its architectural wonders, like the iconic Dhamek Stupa and revealed the legends that make this site so special. From the excavations that uncovered its treasures along with the Ashokan Lion Capital that proudly stands as India’s National Emblem, Dr. Mishra brought every aspect to life with passion and depth. If you missed this enriching session, don’t worry follow our WhatsApp channel for updates on more such fascinating talks. Sarnath awaits to tell its story and so does our next Pleach Talk! https://lnkd.in/giHVfcT8