As the revered elephant Abhimanyu gracefully concluded his ceremonial duties as the howdah-carrier for Mysuru Dasara and returned to the tranquil Mathigodu camp on Sunday, a profound sense of history enveloped the occasion. It was a moment that naturally brought to mind the magnificent predecessors who had, over centuries, carried this sacred trust.
Abhimanyu walks in the footsteps of truly iconic figures: Arjuna, Balarama, and Drona, who, in recent decades, became synonymous with the grandeur of Mysuru Dasara. Drona, a true legend, led the procession for an astounding 18 times, embodying unparalleled discipline and majestic composure throughout the 1980s and 90s. Following his reign, Balarama took up the mantle, carrying the golden howdah for an impressive 13 consecutive years. Then came Arjuna, a beloved successor whose tragic passing during a combing operation in Hassan in December 2023 left many in sorrow. These magnificent elephants, in their collective splendor, have long been living symbols of Karnataka’s rich traditions and vibrant culture, majestically showcased during the annual Dasara festival.
Beyond these recent titans, history holds a treasury of elephants who left an indelible mark. Jayamartanda, an elephant of immense stature, graced the Dasara celebrations from 1870 to 1915, bearing none other than Chamaraja Wadiyar X and Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. So significant was his legacy that upon his passing, the eastern main entrance gate of the Mysuru palace was named in his honor. Other notable howdah carriers included Vijaybahadur, Nanjunda, Ramprasad, and Motilal, each contributing to the festival’s grandeur.
The Forest Department’s records reveal another star: Irawata. This remarkable elephant achieved international acclaim, featuring in the 1937 Hollywood film The Elephant Boy, a role that also propelled Sabu, the son of an H.D. Kote mahout, to stardom. Following Irawata, Biligiri was entrusted with the prestigious role and is believed to be the last elephant to have carried a Maharaja on its back.
It was Rajendra who first carried the howdah bearing the idol of Goddess Chamuneshwari, a pivotal moment in the festival’s evolution. Rajendra also found cinematic fame in Rajkumar’s blockbuster, Gandhada Gudi. This rich history eventually led to Drona, whose distinguished tenure from 1980 to 1998 tragically ended with his demise in Nagarahole after a fatal encounter with a live electric wire, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and grandeur.