Page:History of India Vol 4.djvu/316

 An Elephant of State Throughout India's history the elephant has been the chief means of heary transport from the earliest times, whether in war or in peace. For use I'M functions of state, in grand processions, and on occasions of official display, these huge animals, richly caparisoned in embroidered trappings. adorned with bells, and decorated wth painted stripes, play a conspicuous part in the ceremonies as they trumpet their salutes or give the salam with their trunks.