Abhimanyu: From wild elephant taskmaster to Dasara’s golden howdah bearer

Abhimanyu was more than just a majestic elephant chosen to carry the golden howdah during Mysuru Dasara. He was also a skilled elephant tamer, often called upon to control wild elephants that caused trouble in the forests. Throughout his career, he played a vital role in numerous challenging forest operations, including capturing wild animals such as tigers.

In 2020, at the age of 60, he became the lead elephant of the Mysuru Dasara jumbo squad, replacing the celebrated Arjuna. Since elephants over 60 are no longer suitable for strenuous activities, the Forest Department recently decided to relieve Abhimanyu from his Dasara duties following his 60th birthday in April.

For five years, Abhimanyu had carried out this prestigious role with great skill and ease, earning the admiration of all who witnessed the Jamboo Savari. He was one of the longest-serving members of the Mysuru Dasara jumbo squad. Prior to his role as lead elephant, he had served as a squad member for over 25 years, dedicated to Dasara festivities.

Known for his ability to subdue rampaging elephants and help capture them from conflict zones, Abhimanyu was frequently deployed in operations involving wild elephants. However, following the tragic death of Arjuna in a wild tusker encounter near Yeslur in Hassan district three years ago, Abhimanyu was largely kept away from combing operations as he had now assumed the lead role in the Dasara squad.

After Arjuna's death, Abhimanyu's experience and temperament made him an ideal choice to lead the elephant squad during Dasara.