The changing status of temple elephants in Tamil Nadu
A story about an elephant named Kesavan illustrates the shift from exalted status to servitude in temple settings.
The changing role of temple elephants in Tamil Nadu is highlighted through the story of Kesavan, an elephant from the Adi Kesava Perumal Temple at Thiruvattar in Kanniyakumari, according to The Hindu.
In the story featured in writer Jeyamohan’s Mathagam, Kesavan was once a favourite of the King, even during the King's time as a prince.
The elephant held an exceptional status that even his chief mahout was afraid to command, with the mahout's emaciated leg serving as evidence of Kesavan's fury.
Following the death of the King, Kesavan's status changed to that of an animal and a slave to humans.
The elephant, who previously commanded fear and deference, would then meekly extend its leg to assist the mahout in climbing onto its back.