In a thrilling revelation, an ancient piece of art, estimated to be approximately 2,300 years old, has been recently discovered in the Puri district of Odisha, a state on India's eastern coast. What makes this artifact particularly unique is that it isn't just any artifact; it is an elephant statue, and not only that, it dates back to a time when Buddhism was the dominant religion in the region, particularly during the rule of the notable Emperor Ashoka.

Standing at a height of 3 feet, or about 1 metre, this elephant statue, delicately carved from stone, bears a striking similarity to other elephant statues with a Buddhist connection found scattered across Odisha. It seems to have been crafted in the same artistic style, a technique evidently prevalent among the sculptors of that period.

The significant find was a result of the hard work and expertise of Indian archaeologists, including historian Anil Dhir and several other members of a research team from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). This remarkable discovery was made in April, in a rural settlement located on the verdant banks of the Daya River within the bounds of the Puri District.

Dhir shared the mission's objective with Live Science, explaining, “We were conducting a survey of the Daya River Valley in order to document its heritage.” He further added, “This area is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, bearing testament to the flourishing Buddhism that once pervaded this land.”

The discovery of the elephant statue was not an isolated incident. The team unearthed several other archaeological gems in and around the village. Among these were architectural fragments from what seems to have been a Buddhist temple, thereby further cementing the spiritual significance of the area in the annals of history, as detailed by Life Science.

The newly discovered elephant statue bears an uncanny resemblance to another statue located in Dhauli, also known as Dhaulagiri. Dhauli is an ancient seat of Buddhism, situated about 19 km upstream from the recent find. Historians have dated the Dhauli elephant statue to the period between 272 B.C. and 231 B.C. This observation was made by Dhir himself, linking these two historical pieces together.

The representation of the elephant within Buddhist teachings is significant. It has profound connections to the religion's principles and lessons. Reflecting on this connection, the Buddha once said, as quoted in the Udana or "heartfelt sayings," “In the quiet solitude of the forests, the spiritual giant finds solace, as does the mighty elephant." This quote was referenced in a report in Bhutan Live.

The elephant, symbolising strength and wisdom, finds itself at peace in the calm tranquility of the woods, just as the spiritual aspirant does in his or her solitary introspection. The statue, therefore, is more than just a piece of historical art, it is an embodiment of Buddhist philosophies and teachings. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of historical artistic styles but also offers a deeper insight into the spiritual ideologies of the time.