Genghis ... The Lakeside Predator

Ranthambore National Park

Tigers have been a part of folklore and legends of this country for ages unknown. They are revered, feared and almost have attained the throne like a god in our culture. Time also stands unstirred to it's possie. When one thinks that we have known every thing that is there to know of this legendary animal, it pops out surprises from it's quiver of enigmatic nature. The story I am about to tell you is of one such extra-ordinary tiger, who defied natural laws in it's attempt to adaptation and left behind a patrimony that became a trademark of tigers of the lakes of Ranthambore. Let me introduce you to the first master lake predator ... "GENGHIS".

The lakes of Rathambore have always been the pivoting point of it's tigers history. While many fabled tigers that ruled this area have attained stardom, some have been lost in the sands of time. The world is well acquainted with names like "Machali", Sundari, Krishna, Arrowhead... but it was Genghis who invented the art of hunting in and around the lakes and his mate "Noon" followed suit. Generation after generation this trend became a defining feature of lake tigers.

Early life 

Genghis snarling at his visitors

Very little is known of his origin. It was during an evening of November 1983 that he was first sighted near Jogi Mahal. The area was unclamied by a male tiger then and Genghis reigned over it. While the sun was taking a dip beyond the western horizon on 15 January, 1984 Genghis presence was again felt around Jogi Mahal and Padam talao with reverberating vociferous roars. The next morning he was seen feasting on a boar piglet near the lake.Genghis was a massive tiger weighing around 230 kilograms. Contrast to his highly muscular and powerful built he walked with unhurried and hushed steps making him a perfect feline predator.
He established his dominance by occasional roaring and charging. Twitching tail was a mark of his manifested aggression. Gallantly he would make away with crocodile kills sometimes, dragging the sambar carcass through the lotus vines and weeds effortlessly... growling, snarling and splashing water all along to keep the massive reptiles at bay. He charged at everything that invaded his zone of comfort especially during feasting, snarls and growls were common warning and if one was lucky enough would also be  greeted with a mock charge. Sloth bears are considered one of the most unpredictable beasts of the forest and tigers even keep their distance but Genghis would not hesitate to chase them off when encountered. True to his name he was the fearless warrior ... Genghis.

   The art of hunting in the waters

Chasing a sambar by the Padam talao

Tigers are one of the two large cats (other being the Jaguar) in the world who are comfortable in waters. Though hunting in the waters is seen in some tigers generally of the swamplands of Sundarbans, but the mainland tigers do not venture much into waters for hunting. It was surprising to see what Genghis was doing around the Padam talao. He had mastered the art of bringing down sambar deer near the lakes who ventured into the shallow waters lured by the tender foliage. The dry grass providing an excellent cover on the water's edge and his patient stalking skills ensured his highest chance of success. And what better time than summers to witness this specialist at work. He had developed two different strategies...

Stratergy 1:-  He would stalk the sambar in the tall grass facing the lake near Jogi Mahal, and waited patiently until the sambar were bust high in the waters. Then so as to shock and scatter them he would jolt out of the grass with a roar. Panicked and disoriented the sambar would flee in mindless manner. At this opportune moment he would take advantage cut off either of their exist on the right or left and strike down one.    

 
Stratergy 2:- Genghis was well aware of his speed and strength, to which the sambar were no match, not even an adult stag. He would on occasions chase the whole herd into the lake head on. Then swim off to one lagging member and drag it down. He enjoyed his meal in private often in hiding, in the grass by the lake side.  

Gone with the Monsoon

Genghis dominated the area around Jogi Mahal during the summers of 1984. He did find a partner and possibly mated as well. The advent of monsoon is the beginning of a period of  uncertainty for the wildlife. Many perish and many flourish as well. Genghis was last seen during early monsoon in 1984 near Rajbagh Palace, where he lay enjoying the noon sun rays by the lake. His orange skin glittered golden in the sun, twisting and turning as he rolled in the grass. He was at peace with his kingdom. A sight that every tiger lover would rejoice... but unfortunately it was his last audience. 

That monsoon he disappeared without a trace. In the beginning of the new season in October he was gone and never seen again. The sambar grazed fearlessly near the lakes with no one to charge at them from the bushes. The eerie silence by the lakes with no cacophony of alarm calls felt a little weird. It was like the king had left for a new abode abandoning his throne at the palace. Genghis appeared in the canvas of Ranthambore for brief span of time but the legacy he left behind immortalised him. Noon, his partner was seen following his traits in the years to come. 

*The sad part is that the most prevalent theory of his disappearance is that he was poached during the monsoon season.*

This article is based on the narration of events by Mr. Valmik Thapar in his book entitled "Living with Tigers".

DISCLAIMER 

I DO NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP OF ANY OF THE PHOTOS IN THIS ARTICLE. THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. IT IS ONLY MEANT FOR EDUCATIONAL AND AWARENESS PURPOSE. I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT. 

Sultan (T 72) - The Wandering Prince

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore has played host to some of the legendary tales of tigers in India. Time and time again this land has been in the news for it's majestic tigers and their extra ordinary stories. Generation after generation the legacy has continued. The anecdote I am about to share with you is of one such young tiger, hailing from one of the royal tiger lineage of Ranthambore. A prince who ventured away into unknown worlds, beyond familiar territories while doing so brought about new faces of tiger behavior  that we know as.

Let me introduce to you Sultan (T-72)... the wandering prince.

Birth of a Prince

T 24 - Ustad, the crowned king of Ranthambore rode high on his domain during his reign in the Sultanpur area. His queen T 39 - Noor always close by. He had been with Noor for just a few months and words were that may be Noor was carrying his heir marked by her absence in the tourist area late in 2011. Forest officials were in dilemma as of Noor's avoiding public appearance, as Noor was one those tigress who never shied away from her audience. In fact she would proudly and boldly roam free in her territory, human presence hardly making any difference. In the early months of  2012 some forest guards reported her of being sighted with a cub. But these distant reports could not confirm any thing. 

Sultan as a cub stalking around his mother, Noor

Ranthambore's summers are as hot as it gets in the north western part of Indian. The mercury in the thermometer can sometimes kiss 45 degrees. April and May gets the hottest and is an ideal time for tourist and tiger lovers. Tigers usually spend most of the day in and around water holes giving the visitors a higher chance of sighting them. It was on one such late May afternoon that Mr. Pankaj Jain, a nature guide had the pleasure to see the young prince of Ranthambore for the first time. As he observed a young tiger by Noor's side while she was resting on a bed of dead leaves. His tender frame suggested that he might be a couple of months old. But his actual date of birth is still unknown. 

One of those mother son moments

The little cub though still young was full of confidence. He was later named "Sultan" by Mrs. Bina Kak on the name of the area he inhabited i.e. Sultanpur. Even in his fragile age he was full of vigor. Curious and playful he would leap at every opportunity to explore. Being the only cub and no siblings to play around, he would hang out with his mother. Noor was quite tolerant to her cub's kid like naughty acts. 

Noor affectionately licking Sultan's face 

On occasions Mother-Son duo would be seen cuddling around middle of the dusty road, while on other occasions they would be seen splashing water in small water holes. Sultan would climb on top of his mother and bite her ears playfully, and to it  Noor would respond with only a low grunt. Noor was all aware that she was all that Sultan had. She played the role of a dedicated mother as well the role of co-aged sibling. The fact that made this family more unique was "Ustad". A general notion is that tiger fathers play very little role in the upbringing of the cubs, but Ustad stood out. He was seen spending a lot of time with his family, Sultan and Noor. In fact later he shared his territory with his male cub Sultan, which was unheard of in this land till date.

A curious Sultan looks on while Noor and Ustad relax in the water hole 

This cub had something in him that made him stand apart from other tigers. A juvenile Sultan would follow tourist vehicles, sometimes chase them. Behind those eyes of this tiger was a soul  that loved to explore... to wander. When he was just fifteen months old he was found stalking Nilgais, which were almost thrice his size. Shades of Ustad were quite evidently reflected in Sultan's behavior. His fame preceded him and very soon he became one of the most sort out tigers of Ranthambore. Almost two years old, he once chased away one of the "Sher bagh's" safari jeep very aggressively, leaving it's occupants scared to life. Sultan by 2014 was an adult. During this time period he had a few snappy quarrels with his father Ustad. This left him with a few bruises on the body and some on his ego. But he was never driven out by Ustad. Time passed by and the family lived happily.

Young Sultan overlooking his father's territory

Sultan co-occupied his father territory, which included ares of zone 1, zone 2 and zone 6 of Ranthambore National Park. He dominated different areas of the park which included Singh dwar, Kala peela pani, Kharia, Sultanput, Khemcha kund, Soleshwar, Chuli Deh and Amareshwar Dang.

The Prince Exiled

Life had been going good for the family but one single turn of event swiveled the life of the tiger family. Ustad's aggression, which had been his unmissable attribute got the good of him... On 8th of May, 2015 In a feat of anger, he attacked and killed a forest guard by the name of "Rampal Saini".  Saini's death brought about an uproar from the locals and villagers to capture Ustad or they threatened to kill him if no actions were taken by the authorities. Forest department officials were in great dilemma, but the necessity for an instant action was the requirement of the hour. And actions were taken. Ustad was captured and relocated to Sajjangarh Biological park on 16th May. 

The upcoming days proved difficult for both Noor and Sultan. Noor alone would have been unable to defend the territory and Sultan at just 3 years old was no match for the dominant full grown males that were likely to invade. To make the conditions worst Sultan had been staying away from his mother since January 2015 and occasionally visited his mother. Ustad's absence was the final nail into the turn of events. The balance of power was about to shift in Sultanpur area. 

Late in May 2015, Sultan left Ranthambore and went missing. 

Seeking Sultan

Forest officials launched a full fetched search operation for the missing Sultan. All the possible destinations and areas of the park were combed intensively. No sign of him. It was speculated that he might have been killed by any other male tiger. While some experts were of the opinion that he might have skirted out to the peripheral buffer zone of the park. Tigers of Ranthambore have on previous occasions proved that the can journey away to long distances. 

T7 had traversed a distance of 280 kms to the Mathura refinery

T62 to Talwar (76 kms) 

T56 till Datia (308 kms)

T35 to Sultanpura (133 kms)

T38 to Kuno (140 kms)

and Broken-tail had traveled across valleys and villages 165 kms to Mukunda hills, where he was run over by a train.

Was it possible that Sultan had dared such a journey!!!

Sighting of tiger flowed in from surround areas of the park. Some sightings reported by Mohigya people (Gatherer-hunter tribes), seemed to fit in the description of a young male tiger like Sultan. But no confirmations. Weeks passed by and hopes of finding him faded. The only relief that came was from the fact that reports of tigers resembling Sultan kept pouring in. 

Sultan with a Sambar kill

After long six months, one early morning in January 2106 one tiger was found to have mad a kill just a little away from Ghinoriya gaon, more than 100 kms from Ranthambore. Later that day it was confirmed to be Sultan. He was found rolling playfully near the kill as he had been doing as a cub. His tail swaggered gleefully in the air and his low grunts echoed through the tall green grass where he laid. Finally Sultan was found. He was alive and doing well.

But what happened during his missing days remained a mystery. And officials investigated his activities and movements during this time period. What they reveled was not short of any extraordinary tale.

Sultan's Occult Journey

Sultan had been thriving on his own since a few months and the relocation of his father made it difficult to hold on to the territory. For a few days Sultan initially strolled around the peripheral regions. As his instincts kicked in, he left away in search of a new territory. He migrated from Amareshwar area towards northern terrains, into ravines of Tadla khet. He was trading in dangerous waters here as this area is often termed as the Graveyard of tigers. The Gujjar communities thrive here. Their lives revolve around their most prized assets i.e. their goats. The loss of a single animals cost them their earning of few months. Thus, it's no wonder they treat predators as the biggest threat and don't hesitate to poison them if necessary. Many tigers in previous years have fallen victim to these tribes. 

Ravines of Tadla Khet that Sultan might have during his journey crossed 

Luckily for Sultan, he kept away from the Gujjars and lying low crossed the area strolling through the deep rocky ravines of Tadla khet. These ravines stretch across between the Banas river and Kaila devi plateau. 

He continued farther north crossing Amli village out skirts he reached the Nidar dam. He killed and fed on a cow close to Amli village. The villagers were a little upset yet again Sultan's stars were shinning bright and he escaped without any conflict.

Finally after a couple of months he stepped foot into Kaila devi. Being a protected area, it was a safe abode for him. With not much competition around Sultan made it his new home. A few days in and he was already hunting. Seemed like Sultan had left behind his glitz and glamour, and was enjoying a peaceful secluded life.

Sultan's admirers are happy now that he still lives...but will the prince come back to reclaim his father's kingdom remains to be seen. The chances seem very bleak as the territory of Sultanpur is dominated by bold young blood now.

Sultan, once a cub playing around his mother, dancing in the dust and stalking sambars around the lakes of Ranthambore. A tiger who lost is path in the journey of life... turn of time that changed him forever. This tale was not just a peep into the life of a naughty cub that turned into a self dependant and exploring wild hearted Tiger. Infact it's a mirror of every being who has soul that loves to wonder away into the unexplored...
In every such being lives a SULTAN - The wandering prince

Dollar - The Guardian Angel from Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park

The laws of nature are yet unintelligible to humans. Mother nature has time and again proven us wrong with her alluring script of life. Some tales of the nature redefine our perception of the wilderness and it's savage life forms. Tigers, the majestic beasts... ferocious and untamed souls that rule the jungles have always been considered devoid of emotions. They are thought to be guided by their wild instincts solemnly. But this story of an incredible Tiger and his family will overturn our knowledge of them. Ironically this is the anecdote of a ruthless yet merciful guardian angel of Ranthambore... "Dollar" aka "Zaalim".

Origin of the Legend

January of 2006 was cold and dry in Ranthambore as every winter. The forest had been silent for quite some time now. Territorial battles had not taken place for months and the Lahpur area was dominated by Jhumroo (T20), the son of legendary tigress Machali. He had been around for a long time with the beautiful tigress Gaytri/ Lahpur-Nagdi female (T22). A few months back, they were sighted mating. And hopes of new life blossoming was high. One fine morning, T22 was found strolling around the Lahpur area with a tiny cub trailing behind her. The forest officials and wildlife enthusiast were enthralled by the arrival of the new cub. Initial few months the tigress and the cub remained away from the anxious eyes of their admirers. It made the task for forest officials a little difficult for the identification of the cub. Initially he was thought to be a female cub as sightings were very rare. Even when he got separated from his mother, still very little information of him could be gathered. It was the persistent efforts by the forest officials that finally his identity could be revealed. He was indeed a Male. He would snarl and growl when attempts were made to reach him. On some occasions he also made mock attacks. It was his aggression that earned him his nickname "Zaalim", the ruthless one. The same trait was also exhibited by his siblings Sultanpur male/ Ustad (T24) and Indala (T23).

Dollar sign on right flank

He is also popularly known as "Dollar" for the dollar shaped marking on his right flank. Powerful, fearless and fearsome, Dollar aka Zaalim grew up to become one of the dominant males of Lahpur, sharing his father's territory. From initial days itself, his ruthless aggression made him the center of attraction. He fended his territory with utmost ferocity and chased off tourist vehicles. With time he grew stronger, and established his territory around Semaili area, zone 5 of Ranthambore (even to the present day he roams this area).

Dollar and T5 - Making love

By monsoon of 2009, he also had a lady in his life... T5 - Kachida Female. They spent a lot of time together and even mated frequently. T5 had her first litter from Dollar, in January 2010. It was a beautiful female cub ST8. The love between the two tigers was buzzing and they had their second litter in November 2010. Two females cubs again... Binaek (K1 Ra) and Binado (K2 Ra).

Time seemed good for the tiger family. But destiny had different plans.

Demise of the Matriarch

 During a safari in January 2011, State Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Ms. Bina Kak spotted a beautiful tigress. The tigress seemed restless and clearly was in pain. While taking some pictures she realized that the tigress was wounded and her wound was infected. She informed the Forest department and extended her stay in order to look over the treatment of the tigress. A humble act of compassion by the Minister which earned her appreciation worldwide. The tigress was tranquilized by the forest department, and her wounds were tended to. It was highly infested with maggots. It took the veterinarian a lot of effort to get the wound cleaned. The wound looked gross but none-life threatening. It was not the tigress' health that made the condition serious, it was the fact that currently she was nursing two cubs, three months old. It was tigress number 5, Kachida female.

Ms. Bina Kak's effort to rescue Tigress T5, Kachida female 

Days passed by and the tigress seemed to get well. She would be found near water holes nursing her recovering wound. The forest officials were relieved that she was back to being her former self. But as words go, "Gloom veils under a bloom." Fate revealed itself one night...

Mr. Balendu Singh, the warden of Ranthambore recalls the event, "She was treated for her wounds, which was successful. It was our misfortune that she did not survive for long. She was doing well after 10-15 days of her treatment, but now we feel she became weak and succumbed to her injuries. Fifty meters away from Kachida forest post, her painful growls and cries could be heard the whole night. It was as if she was telling us that she was departing from us."

The lifeless body of Kachida tigress

In the morning of 9th of February 2011, Kachida Tigress was found dead a few meters away from the Kachida post, Ranthambore. Her cubs were also missing. Worried of their safety, forest officials launched a massive search with fifty forest guards assigned. Four days passed with no clue. With every passing day their chances of survival seemed meek. Trap camera were set up around the area in a hope of finding them. After a few days the efforts payed off, the cubs were spotted in bushes near Kachida forest post. Beating all odds they had survived. Actually their mother's demise scared them and they went into hiding in a cave nearby. It was assumed that their mother already knew of her numbered days, and she might have trained them to stay away from danger. As humans we still do not know much about the complex intertwined social and emotional life of tigers. May be they are far more than the savage beasts we know them as.

The Cubs' Fate

Binaek and Binado

The cubs were now found but their fate in the forest was uncertain. Cubs of this age do not survive in the wild. The forest department kept a constant vigil on them and even fed them. Camera traps were installed around the area to monitor their every move. And the images that came through were surprising, they escaped death by a whisker's length many a times. Some times leopards would come very close but they would escape, bears were spotted in the same vicinity on many occasions and once even a Stripped Hyena almost got to them.But miraculously, they stayed alive. It seemed these cubs were meant to be special. They were named Binaek (K1) and Binado (K2), as a display of respect to Minister Ms Bina Kak, who made a valiant effort to save their mother. Binaek was shy and more submissive, while Binado had her own ways. Binado identified by her thick stripes was always on to adventure and dominated her sibling. Still both managed to live peacefully together. 

Trap camera pic. of the Male tiger following one of the cub

 A picture from a camera trap on 14th May, 2011 got the forest officials on their heels. A huge male tiger was seen following one of the cubs. Male tigers are known to kill the cubs in order to be able to mate with resident females and eliminate any future competition. In a mode of panic, officials followed the tiger. To their amazement it was Dollar, their father. What happened next was beyond the wildest imagination. Dollar, the ruthless beast was actually protecting his cubs with maternal instincts. The behavior of Dollar shocked every one. News of this unique episode of the wild spread like jungle fire. Wildlife enthusiast and experts were drawn to Ranthambore to witness this. Overnight, Dollar and his cubs were stars of the wild.

Dollar - the Father-Mom

Dollar and Binaek strolling around

Days passed by, the cubs grew stronger and bigger with their father by their side. He taught them how to hunt. When they were nine months they made their first kill. Binado would lead the hunt and Binaek followed. Dollar would observe them from a distance as they learnt the tricks and trades of a tiger's life. The family would be found cherishing a kill together. Binaek loved to bask in the shadow of her father's domain but Binado was a little rebellious, challenging his authority time and again. No matter how the daughters traded, still the family stayed together. The bond between them strengthening with time. Afternoons of the summer were hot, the family spent a lot of time together cooling down in water holes. They would rub flanks with their father, in tiger language that means a show of affection. When necessary Dollar would also growl at the cubs and let them be in line when they got mischievous. And it was Binado who would always end up on the receiving end.

Dollar growl down at disobedient Binado 

Late one evening while strolling around, the cubs came very close to a waterhole where Tigress T17 (Sundari) was resting. Tigress are not very fond of other cubs in their territory. This made T17 very angry. She crouched low, preparing for an ambush. As she sprinted ahead she was interrupted mid-attack by the emergence of Dollar from the nearby bushes. He shove her away with a sway of his paw. Sundari was startled and had to back down as Dollar stood tall between her and the cubs. T17 lowered herself to the ground, tucked her tail and accepted defeat. Dollar kept vigil till T17 walked away out of view.The event recorded in camera was one of most valuable evidence of maternal instincts of a male tiger. A sight that baffled every tiger expert. But then Dollar was no ordinary tiger. 

Sundari T17 stopped mid-attack by Dollar

Binaek and Binado proliferated under the guidance of their father. They grew up to be two beautiful tigresses who dominated the Kachida territory, which was once their mother's. They lived in harmony till adulthood. Occasionally they were also found straying around some of the park's resorts in the periphery. 

Binaek being radio-collared and relocated to Sariska

After a few months they were spotted with T24- Sultanpur Male aka Ustad. He was the dominant male of the area. It was rumored that the two females had been courting T24. In November 2012, due to higher tiger population in the area, to avoid territorial conflict the Park official decided to relocate Binaek and Binado to Sariska Tiger Reserve. And in January 2013, they were tranquilized and relocated. The family split up with Binaek and Binado starting their life in a new land and Dollar left behind to start afresh. 

It seemed like the end of an epic story of the Indian wilderness. But may be it wasn't...

Dollar and Sundari during courting

Dollar spent some time alone after this, reigning supreme in his territory. His tertiroy was frequently visited by T17 (Sundari) and T19 (Unnis). Both the tigress were sublings of the same litter from the Legendary Machli. Dollar mated with Sundari (T17) late in 2012, who bore him three cubs. They both raised the cubs together for a few months and then suddenly  early in summer 2013, Sundari disappeared without a trace. Her cubs were just few months old and again another set of new life was facing a dilemma for survival. Search for Sundari proved to be futile. She was never seen ever after. 

Following Sundari's disappearance in April 2013, Dollar mothered another set of cubs.
To everyone's astonishment, he betrayed nature once again.

Dollar is still alive and dominant as ever, ruling the Zone 5 of Ranthambore. 

He has engraved his name in history as "The tiger who redefined nature".

T25 Dollar aka Zaalim

Jai ... The Hulk of Umred

UMRED KARHANDLA Wildlife Sanctuary

This legendary story set foot on the Indian wilderness canvas in the winters of 2010-2011, Nagzira National Park. It gained it's "Wildlife Sanctuary" status in 1970, spanning across an area of  120 sq. km. Later merged into a National Park in 2012 as a part of Project Tiger. Rich in fauna this sanctuary resides between the districts of Gondia and Bhandara in Maharastra. This park has not been very much highlighted worldwide for it's tiger conservation. But the story that I am about to tell you changed Nagzira and Umred's history for ever. 

Early Life

Jai and Veeru strolling behind their mother "Mai"

During late 2010, Nagzira was emerging out of the blues with dominant feline characters spreading out their paws and claiming territories. A major part of the park was under the reign of a humongous male tiger "Dhendu". He crushed any opposition and none dared to challenge him at his turf. Besides, he also had the crown jewel of Nagzira by his side, the legendary tigress T2 aka "Mai". Mai, an exemplary tigress who had given the park 11 tigers from different litters. She was an elegant tigress easily identified with an "A" mark on her left hind limb, earning her the nick name "A mark" tigress. Dhendu stayed with her for quite a long time. Early in 2011 she gave birth to two male cubs ... fondly named "Jai" and "Veeru" ( After the legendary duo of the movie Sholay).

Jai relaxing in the water hole as Veeru looks on

The two cubs fathered by Dhendu and nurtured by Mai grew up to become a formidable force. The initial days of the brothers' childhood was quite eventful. They were often seen with their mother, most of the times engaged in playful fights and chasing anything that moved. Mai kept an vigilant eye always as they were the last sons her bore. Most part of the life of these tigers was not documented as these cubs stayed out of limelight for a length of time. With the passage of time the two brothers were now the main attraction. "Jai" with a hulking figure now overpowered his elder brother. Though both stayed together for a long time but it was Jai who held the upper-hand. In his prime "Jai", weighed more than 250 Kgs and was considered the largest tiger of India in 2015.

Jai's Journey

By the time Jai reached his adulthood, the forest of Nagzira and it's territorial balance was taking turns. The cubs from Mai's previous litters had all grown up now. Instincts for territorial fights was now creeping into the resident tigers. And even Jai was not immune to it. Jai was a handsome tiger with a towering physics and muscular frame. He was spending much of his time away from his brother and mother, venturing into neighboring territories. He was an adult male and ready to mate. Hormonal surges made him more obsessed. On evening he came across another tigress "Alpha" of Mai's previous litter following her pheromonal markings. Unfortunately, she was not in an entertaining mood. And Jai was not welcomed. The battle of the sexes violently shattered the peace of Nagzira. The fight did not last long. The two tigers withdrew from the battle giving each other some space. The line was drawn ... Jai had his lesson. Dejected, he left and thus begun an extraordinary journey.

Jai's journey to a new land in search of a mate

August 2013 witnessed a new chapter in Jai's life. This obsessed behemoth in a search for a mate traversed a distance of incredible 130 kms. A journey that is extraordinary for these highly territorial animals. Defying all odds he crossed forests, highways, villages and even a river. He left Nagzira, making his way through New Nagzira moved on to Kisanpur and then Kardi. He spent a few days around and then continued on to Kesalwada, followed by Koka. He crossed NH6 between Bhandara and Sakoli. He swam across Vainganga river, finally reaching Paoni range of Umred Karhandla. During his journey he made everyone wonder where will this lead him to and why is he doing this. But no one could ever know what was brewing in his mind. Whatever it was, it made him famous.

Kingdom Established

Umred, a new world and new challenges. Umred Karhandla was ruled by two dominant resident males when Jai arrived. Their reign was unchallenged ...till now. But with the arrival of a new tiger signs of the territorial fights seemed inevitable. Jai initially kept his distance from the resident males. Every passing day made Jai more and more confident. In a few days his roars echoed in the forest, his claw marks could be spotted on trees and his pugmarks trailed across the roads. No fights followed, no offense or resistance by the resident males. The throne of Umred was handed over to Jai with submissive exit by the previous rulers. Umred was now Jai's to rule.

In the upcoming years Jai had four mates and produced 11 off-springs.  As assumed there might be some more cubs that Jai fathered from unknown wandering females. His first mate was the well known tigress "Chandi". Four cubs from her first litter i.e. 3 males "Bahu", "Bali", "Jaichand" and one female cub "Barkha". "Jaichand" was the first cub and named after his parents "Jai' and "Chandi". "Bahu" and "Bali" being the sons of their powerful father, derived their names from a hit movie "Bahubali".

Chandi with her 3 cubs Jaichand, Bahu and Bali.... PC- Anup Deodhar

Later he mated with T4 "Rai", who bore him three cubs "Pawan", "Raja" and "Mala" (the only female of the litter). Slowly the tiger population in Umred Karhandla was taking a surge under the reign of Jai.

Jai with T4 

In 2014 Jai shared his time with one of the most beautiful tigress of the park T6 "Fairy". They had two handsome cubs "Bittu" and "Srinivas" (T10). Srinivas truly inherited his father's genes. He kept Jai's legend alive when he went on a journey of his own in search of a mate... 300 kms (Though a few weeks later he came back home). Unfortunately, in April of 2017 he ventured into human settlement and was electrocuted by the electric fence farmers put up to protect their crops from wild animals. The farmer  got panicked, removed his tracking collar and buried his carcass nearby. Many tigers have fallen victim to such human activities in recent years besides poaching.

Iconic son of Jai, Srinivas (R- his carcass)

Jai's kingdom was proliferating, buzzing with life by 2015.  The same year he was radio-collared by wildlife expert Bilal Habib and monitored continuously.  But a few months later the link failed.

Where is Jai?

The sighting were at their peak during early summer of 2016. And then suddenly on 19th April, 2016 Jai went missing from his territory of Umred Karhandla near Nagpur. An extensive search was organised by the forest officials, supported by 100 volunteers. Even after weeks of  mega sweeping search across forests of Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia and Chandrapur, no traces of Jai could be found. The State Forest department also set up a panel of three members ( Chief Conservators), who were assigned the task to trace and locate Jai in the forest of Nagpur, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli. Even Mr. Nana Padole, member of Lok Sabha asked for a CBI investigation into the matter of the missing tiger. All in vain. It was as if Jai had vanished into thin air. 

In December 2016, the news of appearance of a new tiger in Adilabad forest of Telangana was spreading like wildfire. The fact that was more startling was that many who had reported sighting claimed that it resembled the Legendary Jai, who was thought to be missing since April. Hope bloomed in the heart of wildlife officials and Jai's admirers. The Forest Minister of Maharastra Mr. Sudhir Mungantiwar himself had a talk with Mr. Jogu Ramanna (Minister of Forest, Telangana) to confirm the sightings. Within days camera traps were installed in the area for tracking. In Bhandara, near Chninchal village ex-sarpanch had a sighting of Jai a few weeks after his missing reports. Later that year two shepherd boys while strolling in the forest came cross a huge tiger with a radio-collar near Rawanwadi area. Was it possible that Jai had again ventured into unexplored territories in the search of a new domain... a journey of 200 kms. Or was that just another tiger mistaken to be Jai. Was he alive or has unfortune events engulfed him. The world was waiting for answers. And till date they have not yet come.   

The search is on. Hopes fading away but alive.

Waiting for you at a different dimension of time

Jai, a name immortalized twice, first by the iconic character played by Amitabh Bachhan in Sholay and then by this legendary tiger who en-thrilled everyone with his extraordinary journey. We are unknown of his being now but it cannot be denied that wherever he is, his legendary journey will follow. In this life and after. 

Jai ... The Hulk of Umred.

*This article is based on the story of Jai by Imroz Baig and pic and data courtesy Amrut, Amit and Anup Deodhar. 

Machali - Lady of the Lakes

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Legendary people are not born Legends, they achieve it by the events that unfold in their lives. As the cards has it, even some Tigers become Legendary, by the turn of events that their life showers them with. The story I am about to narrate is of one such tiger... infact it's a Tigress who has reached the pinnacle of stardom through her extraordinary animated lifetime in the tiger paradise, Ranthambore.

She is ...

Machali (T16)

Known by many names "Lady of the Lakes", "Queen mother of Tigers", "Tigress queen of Ranthambore", "Crocodile killer", she changed the landscape of tiger conservation in India. She is rightfully considered the "most photographed Tigress in the wild", "the longest lived known wild tiger in the world" and even she is the only tiger in the world to have a postal stamp of her own, issued by government of India in 2013. She was also awarded with "Lifetime Achievement Award" by Travel operators for Tiger due to her contribution to wildlife conservation and tourism enrichment. It is reported that Indian Tourism Department earned about 1 Crore rupees from tourist visiting for Machali only. 

Early Life

Identification marks of Machali

Her legendary journey began in May, 1996 when she was born as a part of litter of three female cubs to her mother "Machali I", who had a fish like marking on her left part of the face. Machali derived her name from her mother, inheriting some characters. She was easily identified by a fish like mark above her left brow and a fork marking on her left lower cheek. 

She was the dominant female of her lot and quickly took to hunt at an early age of eighteen months. Soon after in the summers of 1999 in a classic battle in the ruins of Rajbagh, she took over a part of her mother's territory (Zone 5) around the three lakes near the Raj Bagh ruins and the Ranthambore fort... thus entitled "Lady of the Lakes". She lost her mother due to poaching. At that point of time Ranthambore was facing a tiger crisis with only 15-20 surviving tigers in the park. In the years that followed Machali's four successful  litters supplemented 9 tigers to the park. And by the end of 2014 there were well over 50 tigers in the Ranthanmbore. Her lineage still lives on through her daughters of last litter "Satra/Sundari - T17" and "Unnis/Krishna - T19".

Macahli stalking her prey

Machali's Reign

Machali dominantly ruled as the "Queen of Ranthambore" for about 10 years. One of the longest reigns of any known tigers. In a duration of seven years (1999-2006), she had four successful litters. Matriarch of the Park, Machali bore her first litter in 1999 of two cubs "Slant ear" and "Broken Tail", fathered by the majestic male "Bamboo Ram". 

Machali with cubs "Broken tail" and "Slant ear"

It was a magical time in Machali's life. By 1999 she was already 3 years old, had a territory of  her own and ready to give rise to a new generation of tigers. One evening mating calls of Machali, echoed around the Palace ruins and the valley... low moaning roars. After a brief moment of time, responding calls were heard from distance. And from the towering hillocks emerged a handsome tiger, it was "Bamboo Ram". He came down, meeting Machali on the road near the Malik talao. They both got together very well, rubbing flanks and brushing faces. They mated for hours together with intervals of lazy lying around. Tigers' mating can be a little aggressive. Females take initiative falling to the ground in a submissive posture inviting the male. The mating session can occur for days, upto fifty short bursts of copulation during that time. Few months after the cubs were born "Bamboo Ram" succumbed to diseases and old age.

Courting pair, Machali and Bamboo Ram

His territory was taken over by another strong male "Nick ear". This male is assumed to have fathered the second litter of Machali's cubs, "Jhumri" and "Jhumaroo".

Machali bore a litter of two cubs in March, 2005 from the "Male X", the male cub being brave was named "Bahadur" and the shy female was named "Sharmeele". Later these two cubs were renamed "Bunty" and "Bubbly", entitled over famous characters of a lastest hit hindi movie. Years of glorious days for Machali kept going as she reigned over her Ranthambore kingdom with a golden sceptre. She raised all her cubs successfully but none of them dared to claim her territory. It all changed with her last litter from "Male X"... she gave birth to three beautiful female cubs, "Satra/Sundari - T17", "Athra - T18" and "Unnis/Krishna - T19".

Machali with cubs -  Satra(T17),  Atra(T18) and  Unnis (T19) 

The Crocodile Killer

In the hot afternoon of June 27th, 2003 an incident changed the law of jungle as we know it. Ranthambore witnessed an epic clash of two apex predators of their respective ecosystems. The moment was captured in camera and first ever such documented incident. Crocodiles (Indian Mugger) have co-existed in the lakes of Ranthambore alongside Tigers for ages. but never did these two behemoths cross each others path, tolerating and respecting either's presence. On this specific day it finally happened... battle of the beasts.

Machali battling the Mugger crocodile

Machali has always been known for her bold and protective nature. She defended her territory with the fury of a raging Queen, no tiger in the park ever dared to claim her domain. She fought viciously and cared for her cubs with delicate femininity. That summer had been very dry and long, water pools had almost been reduced to puddles. Conflicts between animals had been on the rise around the water sources.
Sun was taking a detour to the horizon in the west as Macahli patrolled her territory near the lake area. Suddenly she halted, ears strained and eyes fixed on something on the water's edge. It's unclear what made her to take such a decision. Jolting through the bushes she pounced on a 14 feet long crocodile. The next thing that came into view was the mugger desperately trying to get back into the water and Machali fiercely dragging it away with her teeth firmly grasping it's neck. Both the beasts extremely strong battled to take control of one another. Macahli's teeth sinking deeper with every move as the mugger kept twisting and turning, slashing it's tail around.

Scars of the battle - Machali lost two Canines

It all happened in broad daylight and some lucky Safari jeeps were around to witness this extraordinary event. In front of their very eyes, the tigress was taking on a large Croc., A sight that will be imprinted in their memories for a lifetime. The battle raged on for hours and finally Machali emerged victorious, banishing and killing the Crocodile.

This victory had come at a price, she lost two of her canine teeth... the most prized possession of a tiger's arsenal. This event sky rocketed the stardom of Machali. In the up coming years the park was flooded by tourists who came just to have a glance of the "Crocodile killer". Machali immortalized her name in the pages of history.    

Demise of the Reign

By 2008, Machali was starting to feel the toll of old age. She was still reigning the lake territory but with four canines gone and fading physical strength climax of her dominance was inevitable. By the end of the year two of her cubs were relocated to Sariska Tiger reserve in an effort to boost tiger population in other parks as well. The two tigers in subsequent years successfully reproduced to aid tiger conservation. The only left off spring Satra (T17) by the end of 2008 had already grown up to be a formidable tigress. For the first time in a decade someone was up to challenge Machali in her own turf. Satra/ Sundari was well aware of her mother's condition and deep in her heart she had already made up her decision to rule her mother's prized land.

Satra facing Machali in her decisive battle

In a summer afternoon, 2009 Machali was causally lying near the ruins of Rajbagh fort when Satra sneaked up to to her. Machali had no clue of what was coming. Roaring menacingly Satra charged at Machali, pinning her to the ground. Machali had nothing left in her to resist.  In a short but decisive battle Satra dethroned her mother and banished Machali to the outskirts of her kingdom, Lakarda area of the park. The natural order of forest law prevails... Machali was vanquished by her daughter as she had her mother a decade ago.

Machali was forced out of her territory ... Kingdom gone, old age dawning and strength abandoned all Machali could do was bask in her past glory for the days that remained. A magnificent rule had come to an end.

Vanquished Machali taking refuge near a water hole 

Dusk of Machali's Life 

Life was harsh for Machali in the after days. But the warrior in her did not quit, against all odds she lived long to become the oldest tiger to survive in the wild. She kept tricking death time and time again. In a puzzling incident, on 9th January, 2014 the matriarch of Ranthambore went missing from Zone 5. The forest officials, wildlife experts and media, all went buzzing on her disappearance.  All efforts for her search proved futile. She had vanished without a trace, no pug marks, no clue, no roar... nothing at all. Speculations were made of her falling victim to poaching, or may be killed by another tiger or even death of natural causes in any remote location. Miraculously after 25 days of extensive search, patrolling team headed by Forest officer Daulat Singh found Machali lurking around Kachidagarh post. Not only did Machali survive but also had not lost her hunting skills to old age as she was found relishing a kill a few days later. She kept surprising everyone in her odd old days as well. On one occasion, she was seen emerging from a hotel room in Sawai Madhopur. She was trying to rejoice the luxuries of human lifestyle it seems. Exuberant spirit of the tigress reflected in her attitude even at this stage of her life. Alas! even she knew her days were numbered. 

Machali with a Cataract in left eye

With partial vision due to a cataract in her left eye and all the canine withered she had reduced to just a fringe of demeanor of what she once was. With time her health deteriorated, and Park officials grew concerned. At a decisive juncture, it was decided that she should be supplemented with food as she was unable to hunt anymore. This arose questions, the wildlife experts and ecologists protesting against it. It was like manhandling natural fate of wild animals.

Machali's Lifeless body

Paying no heed to the protests, park officials favored their beloved Machali. Mr. Mohan Singh, a forest guard was appointed to keep track of Machali. Calling Machali for her food was an art which he had developed as a mode of communication. And to everyone's surprise she would respond to his calls. She spent her last days in  Ammaghati area of the park's periphery, away from all the glitz and glamour of Ranthambore National park.  August of 2016, marked the sunset of Machali's life. She had not been eating anymore, just water would go down her throat. Efforts to feed her went in vain. She was restricted to a small pool of water, with no strength left in her to move anymore. Life was slipping away from her, and she just waited calmly for death to embrace her. It was on 18th August, 2016 when she breathed her last.

She moved on to happy hunting grounds in the heavens leaving the mortal world behind.

Machali's final journey

With all the honor her body was carried on shoulders of the forest staff and guards.... eyes that once bedazzled at her sight were moist on that day. An out-pour of emotions converged at Ranthambore on this fateful day. People gathered in hundreds to have a glance of the majestic Tigress one last time.  The park and her fans worldwide bid adieu to their beloved tigress "Machali". She was offered to flames with hindu rituals at the Ammaghati check-post, which was her last abode.

A magnificent journey of a Tigress, who redefined the laws of nature and ruled millions of hearts all over the world had came to an end. But wherever she goes, IMMORTALITY will follow...

In the loving memory of MACHALI (1996-2016)

Post Script

Last few days I have been restless, this story has mesmerized and captivated me. With every part of Machali's life I unfold, I fall in love with her again and again. I never had the privilege to see her, before this article she was just any other tiger for me... but it all changed. Somewhere deep within my soul I feel a part of me is gone with her. It feels like she was one whom I knew closely, different in form and life but still... mine somehow. I felt the pain as she would have on loosing her territory, I was overjoyed when I put down the story of the reappearance after long time, I chuckled on the moment when she visited humans...And I did cry when I informed you of how one day she left us. Tigers are not just tigers for me anymore...They are family. I may not have seen them but yes a fragment of them runs in me now. This story has brought meaning to my life... and till my last breath I vow to try and protect these majestic ones through my words and actions. 

Thank you Machali. I owe you.