Elephant with state howdah at Baroda in 1857
Lithograph dated 1870 showing Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad's predecessor Maharaha Khanderao Gaekwad in a Diwali procession on the Gold Ambari
The Gold Ambari/Howdah of the Gaekwad family, believed to be made of 70 kg of gold. Maharaja of Baroda rode this Ambari on all state occasions.
The elephant, in 1890 was one of about 55 state elephants owned by the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (r.1875-1939), 12th Maharaja of Baroda. They were used in ceremonial processions and were granted to high officials as a mark of royal favour. In this side view, the elephant is shown caparisoned in cloth of gold and bears on its back the ambari, a throne or state howdah made of gold which only the largest and strongest elephants could support.
The elephant, in 1895, was one of about 55 state elephants owned by the Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (r.1875-1939), 12th Maharaja of Baroda. They were used in ceremonial processions and were granted to high officials as a mark of royal favour. In this side view, the elephant is shown caparisoned in cloth of gold and bears on its back the ambari, a throne or state howdah made of gold which only the largest and strongest elephants could support.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Baroda Menagerie
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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2 comments:
They are some big 'ol' boys as not every Indian is short.Nic pics.Also a warm G'day from Dubbo.
Regards
Glenn Sullivan
Glenn,
They are indeed beauties. I note "largest and strongest elephants". Doesn't sound like anything that would be sold to Buck or the other animal dealer hambone's of the day. I imagine many scenarios' like, "hurry up and get him/her back on their feet, and stand them against the other ones. Frank Buck's going to be here in a half hour, and we need that one to make a full boat load." LOL I am patiently waiting for the next 20-25 years to see if we have been able to breed something much better then the mahouts sold us, back in the early day's of zoological parks and circus's. I am fascinated by how many of the "died soon after arrival", physical issues, etc. etc. may have been from having inferior stock to work with, more so then poor husbandry or lack of knowledge, accepting that yes, even that wasn't perfect.
I have been working on some more elephant branding material, and was recently sent a picture of a male in 2008 "working the wood" at a lumber camp with a star on his hip. If you come across any new material on that subject, I would appreciate you sending it on.
Also if you would give the Lennon circus elephants a big hug(when your pc curator isn't looking) and reassure them it will be all right. I recall reading a newspaper article where a Jan Lennon, on going to Dubbo to visit claimed "the elephants, who loved traveling and performing, were missing the circus and their circus family so much, that they had tears running down their cheeks when she(Jan Lennon) left, and were pining away and losing kilos of weight."
Also, keep an eye on Steve Robinson and those snakes he is working with. I am sure he fancies himself a Crocodile Dundee, but we don't need him getting ass bit, and Steph having to pick up the slack as well as look after a beautiful daughter.
Be safe mate,
Wade
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