Project Gaja-Lok

(Prelims: Important Events)

Why in the News

Recently, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) launched Project Gaja-Lok.

It is a significant international initiative to understand and preserve the cultural, historical, ecological, and environmental significance of the Asian elephant.
The project began with an exhibition and roundtable discussions held in New Delhi, with participation from experts, researchers, and conservationists.
The initiative promotes cooperation among Asian countries where elephants have cultural and religious significance.
The elephant is presented as a cultural icon and a symbol of ecological resilience.

(Figure 1: Elephant murals in the caves of Ajanta and Aurangabad, Maharashtra)

Multi-country initiative: A comparative study of the role of elephants in various Asian civilizations.
Documentation of cultural heritage: An exhibition showcasing the image of elephants in temples, sculptures, texts, court art, and folk traditions.
Integration of history and spirituality: An analysis of the spiritual role of elephants in Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, and Southeast Asian traditions.
Research on human-elephant relationships: Discusses conflict, coexistence, ethics, and modern ecological challenges.
Climate and environmental significance: Focuses on the vital role of elephants in forests, ecology, and biodiversity.
Artifacts display: Displays cultural relics such as Indus Valley seals, Bharhut railings, sculptures from Konark, Gwalior Fort, Thailand, and Cambodia.

(Figure 2: Elephant seal, Harappa, National Museum, Delhi)

The role of elephants in various Asian traditions will be preserved.
Helps in formulating better policies and conservation strategies.
Strengthening environmental conservation efforts by highlighting the ecological importance of elephants.
Exhibitions, books, and discussions will strengthen the spirit of conservation in society.
Improved policymaking on conservation, cultural documentation, and the “nature-culture link.”

(Figure 3: Standing Ganesha, Pre-Angkor Period (late 7th century), Cambodia)

Also Know!

About INTACH

Full name: Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
Established: 1984
Form: Non-profit organization
Main objectives:
- Conservation of India's natural, cultural, heritage, tangible, intangible, and living heritage.
- Conservation of historical buildings, arts, crafts, archaeological sites, folk traditions, cultural documentation, etc.
- Running heritage clubs to engage the younger generation in heritage conservation.
International recognition: Expanding conservation work through collaborations with several global organizations, including UNESCO.