Pheel Khana--Elephants' Quarters, Holcar's Camp

The royal elephant quarters of the Maratha rulers of Indore (Central India) are seen here at a traveling camp, and not in the royal capital and palace. The print captures a sense of spontaneity and offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse that is absent in images of more formal elephant processions. On the left is the maharaja's own parade elephant with its elaborate ornaments; another elephant (on the far right) is also dressed for parade but its ornaments are simpler by comparison, suggesting that it was probably intended for a lesser royal family member's use. At the center is a working elephant that carries the disassembled tents and other loads. Even though a labor animal, its status as a royal elephant is indicated by its ornamented, sawn-off tusks.