Elephant memories

A captivating exploration of the profound relationship between humans and elephants, ‘The Elephant Book: Myths, Folklore and True Stories’, as the title suggests, blends mythology, folklore and real-world accounts. It delves into the cultural, religious and symbolic significance of elephants in storytelling traditions, from the grand temples of India to the wild savannahs of Africa.

Through a rich collection of myths and legends, Sowmya Rajendran vividly retells stories of mighty gods, powerful goddesses, mystical women and ferocious beasts, bringing to life the timeless reverence and complex narratives surrounding these magnificent creatures.

The storytelling seamlessly transitions between folklore and reality to dispel myths and doubts, while capturing the multifaceted nature of elephants. These creatures, often misunderstood, are portrayed not just as awe-inspiring loners, temple-bound gentle giants, or destructive forces capable of felling trees with a flick of their trunk, but also as playful, affectionate beings that form deep bonds with humans.

Reading this book brought back childhood memories of circus elephants performing awe-inspiring acts, as well as the encounters I’ve had during my career in the Indian Forest Service. The description of elephant social behaviour mirrors what I have observed firsthand across India and abroad: matriarch-led herds with younger females and calves, and young males being expelled to prevent inbreeding. Watching a calf play reminds one of a human child — innocent, mischievous and curious.

Rajendran’s exploration of elephants’ intelligence and dexterity reminded me of an extraordinary moment in Thailand, where I watched an elephant paint a canvas with surprising precision. The inclusion of such anecdotes, alongside broader themes like the hormonal surges during musth and their impact on male elephants’ behaviour, deepens the reader’s understanding of these imposing creatures.

The book also highlights the evolving legal and cultural frameworks surrounding elephants. In India, as the author points out, traditions like using elephants in weddings or temple rituals are now regulated under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This aligns with my own observations of how the Forest and Wildlife departments have set up elephant rescue camps to care for injured and aging elephants, granting them dignity even in retirement. Such initiatives reflect a nuanced blend of reverence and modern conservation efforts, which the book effectively conveys.

Perhaps most powerfully, the narrative resonates with the ethical dilemmas and conflicts that arise from human-elephant interactions. Her account of the challenges faced by elephants in a rapidly modernising world brought to mind a poignant memory from the early 1980s, when I encountered a farmer in West Bengal who displayed remarkable acceptance after his fields were raided by elephants. Over the years, such tolerance has faded, as economic concerns increasingly dominate human perspectives — a reality the book subtly critiques, urging a more empathetic coexistence.

For readers interested in Indian mythology, global folklore or wildlife conservation, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom, entertainment and cultural exploration.

The lucid, fluid language and expressive cultural jargon make the book accessible and compelling for readers of all age groups. For children, it evokes the magic of bedtime tales, while teens and adults will find both entertainment and profound insights in its pages.

— The writer is a retired Indian Forest Service officer