Skip to main content

Elephant in Battle

c. 1750-1770
Artist/maker unknown, Indian
The Indian elephant was used as a primary battle engine for over two thousand years across the subcontinent and was valued by rulers far above horses. In this painting, a heavily armored battle elephant rampages across a bright yellow Weld amid troops mounted on horses. On his back are two soldiers armed with spears, arrows, and swords; the foremost is the mahout who wields the elephant goad that could give a trained elephant over a hundred commands by gentle touches to different parts of the animal's body. The elephant has chains on its legs and carries more in its trunk. They would have served as flails to attack the enemy infantry. At some point after its making, this vivid painting appears to have been cut down from a larger work and an apparently spurious inscription was added on the back.

Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.