Khedda and a changing era: The history behind Mysuru’s Dasara elephants

Mysuru and Dasara are almost synonymous. So are Dasara and elephants.

Historically, Dasara elephants, especially those that carry the golden howdah (Ambari), have been admired by kings and the public alike. Elephants were held in such high regard that the east gate of Mysuru Palace was named after an elephant, Jayamarthanda. Historical records indicate that the last Maharaja, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, had a special liking for Biligiriranga. In recent years, Dasara elephants such as Arjuna, Abhimanyu and Bheema have also won the admiration of the public.