Minor Elephant Panel - Mamallapuram

Not all the sculptures in the great town called Mamallapuram are religious. Though not all the experts are convinced to classify certain sculptures as non-religious, the minor elephant panel is undoubtedly a secular sculptural panel.

Located near the Trimurti Cave Temple, the panel has a majestically standing bull elephant overlooking a cow elephant on top, two beautiful calves, a peacock, and a monkey. 

The Pallava sculptors were equally obsessed with Durga and elephants. In most of the monuments in the town, we could find either of them. In this panel, the elephant family is realistically carved. Look at the playful elephant calf. Unfortunately, the sculpture of another calf is damaged. The female monkey is seated in a stylish posture and watching the elephants furtively.

Though it is a small panel and not very popular, it is one of the best creations of Pallavas. Unless the sculptors had enjoyed their work intensely, they could not have created this masterpiece. There seems to be no end to their euphoria.

Happy travelling.