Cultural and Social Nexus between the Elephants and Sri Lankan Society Since Ancient Times

Abstract

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Asian Elephants being highly social mammals have been identified as a ‘Natural Treasure' since ancient times. The elephant's presence in Sri Lankans religious and socio-cultural events has not diminished. According to Mahavamsa, there had been a state elephant krall of King Devanampiyatissa (2323-2273 yr BP). As well, elephants were also engaged to accompany theras, troops, chariots and in the construction of the monastery for bhikkhunis (Hatthalhaka-Vihara). The elephant Kandula became the companion of Dutugamunu (2177-2153 yr BP), serving as his warrior elephant during the wars and for the decisive duel with King Elara that led to the unification of Sri Lanka. Later, elephants were also used by the King Dutugemunu for the festival of enshrining relics in Ruvanveliseya at Anuradhapura. Our Kings have donated elephants to temples for religious festival traditions; such as for the annual Perahera of the Tooth Relic, the Tooth and the Bowl Relics and for troops and chariots from 4th to 16th century. After the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in 1815, the custody of the Tooth Relic was handed over to the Maha Sanga. With the inauguration of the Kandy Esala Perahera during this period, elephants were used for religious purposes and were also donated to temples on occasions. Sri Lankan elephants are widely distributed from sea level to the highest mountain ranges. tourists canenjoy watching and photographing within national parks and in few other locations, the opportunity to go on elephant back safaris. The intensity of Human Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka, particularly in rural areas adjacent to elephant habitats, has been escalating and reports show that nearly 2,000 elephants have died during the past 15 years due to gunshot injuries, electrocution, illegal actions taken by farmers to protect their crops, land mines during the armed conflict, falling into unprotected agricultural wells and abandoned gem pits and collision with trains.