Elephants
Explanation
Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. His account, Indica, though lost in its original form, has been preserved in fragments by later Greek writers. These accounts provide a vivid description of the Mauryan administration, society, and the grandeur of the emperor's court.
Historical Analysis
- Royal Processions: Megasthenes described the occasions when the Mauryan Emperor appeared in public as grand festivals. The emperor was typically carried in a golden palanquin or rode on an elephant.
- Decoration: The elephants used in these processions were famously decked in gold and silver. This display of wealth and power was a hallmark of the Mauryan court's splendor.
- Additional Details: The guards accompanying the emperor also rode decorated elephants. Furthermore, some guards carried trees on which live birds, including a flock of trained parrots, circled about the head of the emperor.
Key Takeaway: Megasthenes' accounts emphasize the opulence of the Mauryan court under Chandragupta Maurya, specifically highlighting the use of elephants decorated with gold and silver during royal processions.