Discover the Legacy of Elephants
Dr.N.K.MANOHARAN
An elephant is a creature we look at with
a mix of fear, respect, love, and, above all, great curiosity. However, it
seems that common people like us don’t have much knowledge about elephants. I
am no exception to this; I too don’t have extensive knowledge about this
subject. Yet, as part of this article, I’d like to share some small bits of
information I found while browsing the internet and from reading various books
and articles
The elephants we
usually see at Kerala's festival grounds and celebrations are Indian or Asian.
But apart from these, there are other types of elephants around the world.
Firstly, there is the African savanna
elephant, scientifically known as Loxodonta Africana, which is found
in the grasslands and savannas of Africa. This is the largest of all elephant
species in the world. In addition to its size, one of its distinct features is
its large ears, which resemble the shape of the African continent.
Secondly, there is
the African forest elephant, scientifically known as Loxodonta cyclotis,
which is found in the dense forests of Central and West Africa. This species is
smaller in size compared to the African savanna elephant. It also has
straighter tusks and rounder ears compared to its savanna counterpart.
Thirdly, we have the Asian elephant,
scientifically known as Elephas maximus, found in South and Southeast
Asia, including countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Asian elephants
have smaller ears compared to African elephants. Within this species, there are
several subspecies: the Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus), the
Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), the Sumatran elephant (Elephas
maximus Sumatrans), and the Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus
barrenness). Each subspecies has differences in size, behaviour, and
physical characteristics.
However, this article
is not only intended to be a detailed study of elephants.
But also It is actually about the
current state of Konni Eco-Tourism and the sights and experiences it offers
today.
Long ago, Konni was a small village nestled
in the lush green forests of Kerala. It was home to a place called the Anakottil
(Elephant Cage), which served as a center for capturing and training elephants.
Captured elephants were trained and repurposed for Kerala’s cultural and
ritualistic needs, ranging from the grandeur of temple processions to assisting
in afforestation projects. These elephants became an indispensable part of the
community. Konni was a prominent location where numerous elephants were
captured and trained.
According to an
old record, around 34 elephants were captured and trained here. However,
elephant capture is no longer practiced in Konni. Instead, it now functions as
a conservation center for elephants. Each elephant here has its own unique
story—ranging from orphaned calves separated from their herds to rogue
elephants that once posed threats to nearby villages, many of whom were
successfully rehabilitated and trained here.
Training an elephant, however, is no small
task. It requires immense patience, skill, and unwavering dedication.
Typically, depending on the elephant’s temperament and age, the training period
can last anywhere from six months to two years. The pappans
(elephant trainers) use a blend of traditional techniques and modern behavioural science to build
trust with the elephants and teach them commands. The bond between a pappan and
an elephant often lasts a lifetime.
In Kerala,
elephants are regarded as divine beings, especially during temple festivals,
where they are adorned and celebrated as an inseparable symbol of culture and
festivity. Elephants hold a significant cultural and historical connection with
the state, being deeply revered in festivals, religious ceremonies, and even
daily life.
For centuries, Konni has played a vital role
in controlling and training elephants. The region’s dense forests and elephant
habitats naturally made Konni the center for these activities. Over time, the
area’s expertise in elephant care grew, and it became a historical center for
capturing and training elephants. The traditional coordination, livelihood, and
conservation of elephants are reflected in the Konni Elephant Capture and
Rehabilitation Center, which showcases Kerala's complex relationship with these
majestic animals.
Located on the banks of the Achankovil River
in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, this magnificent center is known as
"Konni Aanakoodu" (Konni Elephant Cage). It is one of the oldest
elephant conservation centres in Kerala. The need for elephant capture and
training was recognized by the British colonial government in the 19th century,
and during the colonial era, the Konni Elephant Capture and Training Center was
formally established. The center was initially set up to streamline the process
of capturing wild elephants for the timber industry and transportation
purposes.
The British understood that elephants trained
for timber operations would significantly enhance their economic potential,
especially in Kerala’s dense forests where elephants were crucial for felling
trees. However, the history of elephant capture and training in Kerala dates
back to ancient times when elephants were captured from the wild and trained
for warfare, timber cutting, and royal processions.
Despite facing the
challenges of modern wildlife management ethics, the center continues to uphold
a balance between preserving cultural heritage and fulfilling its great
responsibility of conserving these majestic creatures.
The traditional method of capturing wild
elephants using a Kheda
or trap, along with pit traps, was once employed here. After independence, in
1957, the control of this center was transferred to the Kerala Forest
Department. A few years later, instead of capturing elephants, the center
successfully shifted its focus to protecting and rehabilitating elephants
injured during human-elephant conflicts. Elephants injured in conflicts with
humans, orphaned calves separated from their herds, and elephants stranded in
wildlife corridors are rescued and treated here.
The center now
operates with scientifically-managed care systems for elephant rehabilitation.
Elephants are trained through vocal commands and gentle methods. Research on
elephant behaviour, health, and their environment is also conducted. The center
organizes special educational programs for school children, researchers, and
tourists. By collaborating with local communities, the center works to promote
the natural lifestyle of elephants while addressing issues like deforestation,
water scarcity, and human-elephant conflicts.
However, it is important to note that animal
rights organizations have raised concerns regarding practices like elephant
capture with chains and their use for tourism. Over time, the Konni Elephant
Training Center has gradually shifted focus from capturing elephants to
prioritizing their conservation and training.
In the past, the
center was renowned for the traditional method of elephant capture known as the
"Kraal" system. This involved constructing a large wooden enclosure,
or kraal, inside the forest, into which wild elephants were driven. Once
inside, the elephants were gradually tamed, and skilled trainers, known as
pappans, would train them.
The traditional
training methods involve paappans (elephant trainers) working closely with the
elephants. The training period lasts for several months, during which the
elephants are taught to interact with humans and to follow commands. Through
this process, the elephants' disruptive behaviour is reduced, and the Kraal
method, which aligns the elephants with human presence, is considered humane
and highly effective.
With modernization
and the reduced need for elephants in timber cutting and labour, the centre
shifted its focus to training elephants for cultural and religious purposes,
such as temple festivals and processions. The center also plays a significant
role in rehabilitating elephants that have been injured or orphaned in the
wild.
Today, the Konni
Elephant Capture and Training Center is a popular tourist destination, offering
visitors an insight into traditional methods of elephant training and care. The
center also plays a key role in raising public awareness about elephant
conservation and the importance of protecting these majestic animals. Elephants
in Kerala are an integral part of the state’s cultural heritage, and the
contributions of the Konni Center in preserving this heritage are invaluable.
Despite its
historical significance, the center faces challenges in the modern era,
including habitat loss, human-elephant conflicts, and the attitudes toward the
captivity of animals. However, the center continues to address these challenges
by balancing the preservation of Kerala's cultural legacy with modern
conservation practices, ensuring the well-being of elephants while adapting to
contemporary environmental and ethical standards.
In summary, the main purpose of the Konni
Elephant Training Center today is to preserve Kerala's deep-rooted relationship
with elephants through conservation, training, and cultural practices. Its
history reflects the evolution of the relationship between humans and elephants
in the region, focusing on both practical purposes and the preservation of
cultural heritage and conservation.
While the center
was once primarily used for capturing and training wild elephants, it no longer
focuses on capturing elephants. Instead, it emphasizes their conservation and
training. In its current state, the center has become a popular tourist
destination. Visitors can observe the elephants, learn about their training,
and interact with them.
With growing
awareness of animal rights, the centre’s role has shifted to conservation,
rehabilitating injured elephants, and educating the public about elephant
protection. The center features a museum displaying the elephants’ life
stories, conservation methods, and historical photographs. Visitors can also
explore the medicinal plant garden, a 3D theatre, and a children's park, among
other attractions. The old wooden kraal, where elephants are primarily trained,
is still on display, and a mischievous elephant calf inside brings much joy to
visitors.
The center is open
for visitors from 8 AM to 5 PM. It is located in Konni, which is 10 kilometres
from Pathanamthitta. Bus services are available from various locations in
Kerala, including Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, Alappuzha etc.
