The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c16.68.3

v2.c16.68.3

Although the cave is not high enough to admit a full-grown tusker to enter it except in a crouching position, and it may reasonably be doubted whether a highly suspicious animal like the elephant, would enter a cave in the way, there is no inherent improbability in a small tame tusker—and such animals are not uncommon—walking in with ease. But whatever the locale, it is certain that the whole scene is a representation of certain elephants having taken possession of a sacred cave, the dwelling of some simple people, who with a party of their neighbours are trying their utmost with the very inefficient means at their disposal to dislodge them. The amount of jewelry on the persons of the people precludes the idea of their being Buddhist hermits or recluses; but their adventure must have acquired some interest to have formed the subject of an elaborate tableau. The story, perhaps, is related in some of the *Jātakas*, but I know nothing of it. To the extreme right of the compartment is an *aśoka* tree with drooping pennate leaves, and tufts of flowers somewhat like bunches of grapes. The tree, according to the Hindus, is an emblem of constancy in women, and the scene to follow shows that it has been most appropriately introduced here. From the top of the tree, a Brāhmaṇī goose, another emblem of constancy, is seen to fly out.