Jaunpur's Shahi Pul: Unraveling the Mystery of the 10th-Century Elephant-Lion Sculpture

• Jaunpur's Shahi Pul features a colossal 10th-century elephant-lion sculpture, a significant historical and cultural landmark.
• Historians debate its origin: some attribute it to King Jaichand of Kannauj, while others suggest it came from an ancient temple at the royal fort site.
• Ancient texts indicate King Jaichand of the Gahadwal dynasty built the sculpture in the 10th century, later moved to Jaunpur in the 15th-16th century.
• British officer Captain Macpherson installed the sculpture at its current location on the Shahi Pul in the 19th century during bridge repairs.
• The sculpture, now a protected heritage site, symbolizes power, strength, and royal authority, offering insights into ancient Indian art and history.

Why It Matters: Jaunpur's Shahi Pul houses a mysterious 10th-century elephant-lion sculpture, a testament to ancient Indian heritage.