Did You Know The Rajputs Put Fake Elephant Trunks On Their Horses In A Very Smart War Tactic?

For those who are completely illiterate about horses, they, like dogs, are born as different breeds. Not all of them look like the macho stallions we see in the movies. Wikipedia lists over 320 different kinds of horses, each very distinctive in its own way, and each used for very specific purposes by man. 

The Marwari or Malani is a rare breed hailing from the Marwar or Jodhpur region of the country. Distinctively known for their ambling gait, ear tips turning inwards and the amazing ability to withstand desert heat, the Marwari horses were war horses, historically known for their valour, loyalty and bravery in battles. 

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But why were they famous?

The Rajputs were the reason behind Marwari's fame. They would very cleverly get fake elephant trunks put on Marwari war horses. Appearing as baby elephants, the elephants carrying the enemies would instinctively not attack them, giving the Rajputs an advantage of attacking first. 

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The horses would then rise on their hind legs, placing their front legs on the elephant's head. This would give the rider a chance to attack the mahout with a spear or a sword. A fight tactic that would end up paying high dividends. 

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The Battle of Haldighati

It was the Battle of Haldighati in 1576 when the iconic horse Chetak saved the life of his master, Maharana Pratap, the last of the Rajputs, battling the Mughals, who were led by Man Singh, another Rajput chieftain.

The painting shows Chetak wearing the false elephant trunk with his hooves on the head of the main enemy elephant, allowing Maharana Pratap to throw a lance at Akbar's general. The general was quick with his reflexes, so he ducked. The mahout wasn't, and the lance killed him instantly. 

Panicking in the situation, the elephant swung about, chopping off one of Chetak's legs with the sword that was attached to his trunk. Even with a leg chopped off, Chetak managed to carry Maharana Pratap safely to his brother, Shakti Singh's horse, on which he escaped. Even though the Rajputs were defeated, the battle is held in high regard, thanks to the incredible showcase of bravery and loyalty shown by the Marwari war horses.

The Marwari breed was so integral in a Rajput's life that people would often say that a Rajput could never be separated from his horse, come what may.   

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But their reign didn't last long

The reign of the Marwari breed didn't last too long. As the British colonised the country, they brought their own horses with them. Disliked by the English, the Marwaris eventually lost out to imported Australian breeds. It only got worse for the horses when the British eventually left in 1947. People couldn't afford to keep them anymore. Many were castrated, abandoned, and some were even shot dead.

Although things have gotten better over the years for the Marwari breed thanks to the rise of tourism, it's nowhere close to the life they once enjoyed. Alas, that life of glory has become another tourist attraction in a trekking safari.  

Cover image by Julia Horton/ CNN Go