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Palace On Wheels
Jodhpur - Mehrangarh Fort - Exhibit of royal carriers
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From the first
millennium B.C until the 19th century, elephants have played a significant role in
warfare and ceremonies. Elephants have been referred to as 'gaja, naga, dvipa,
hastin, karenu, karin, datin', among other names in the Indian epics. They were
valued for their immense strength and intelligence, and their ability to be
trained in human service. Although they had uses for moving heavy loads
like forest timber and artillery pieces, one of their most important roles was as
fighting animals. They could trample men and horses alike, pick up and
throw a man and horse together, and wield swords attached to their tusks.
The relationship between the elephant and his driver, or 'mahout', was a very
close and long lasting one. The mahout would sit astride the elephant's neck and
direct the animal with his feet. He also used a hafted hook and spike
called an 'ankush'. These two-seater 'howdahs' are ceremonial pieces for
royalty. The royal person sits in the front and a body guard in the back.
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