Elephant. The origins of the elephant is indicated in the Ramayana. Brahma’s son marichi had a son named Kashyapa. Kashyapa married Daksha prajapati’s daughters – Diti, Aditi, Anala, Danu, Kalika, Tamra, Krodhavasha, and Manu. Krodhavasha had ten daughters – Mrigi, Mrigamanda, Hari, Bhadramada, Matangi, Sharduli, Shweta, Surabhi, Surasa, Kadru. As per Ramayana Aranyakanda Sarga 14, elephants were the offspring of Matangi.

Once Bhrigu cursed Agni, and Agni roamed the three worlds dejected. The devas searched for him and the elephants pointed out his hiding place to them. Agni cursed them that their tongue would fold inwards, as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapter 85 verse 35. The agnipurana gives the characteristics of elephants