In spite of their size and weight, elephants are really placid animals. Once you get to know them and they get to know you, you will see the true qualities of their gentleness. Elephants only turn aggressive when they are threatened. People of Kerala have long forgotten to fear these tamed elephants. They obey the commands of their caretakers, during festivals and even small children approach to feed them bunches of bananas and chunks of jaggery. Several rich temples own elephants, often donated by devotees. Until a few years ago many well-to-do families In Kerala owned elephants which were considered as members of the household. Exquisite ivory carvings from Kerala are today a thing of the past. The government has banned ivory trade to preserve the elephant population. Bangle bracelets and rings set with a strand of hair from the elephant’s tail are considered auspicious amulets.

Elephants in History and Religion
The early Indians’ fascination for the elephant is reflected on cave drawings. Ancient Indian kingdoms had elephant brigades in their armies besides infantry and cavalry.

Indian literature provides a fascinating history of the association between the elephant and humans over centuries. The elephant is so majestic that in olden times it served as a vehicle for kings. Poet Mathurai Kumaranar Wrote in Purananooru, ancient poems from the Sangam literature of South India (3rd century through 5th century A.D).

The King has chariots with banners fluttering at their heights
With horses that gallop like the rush of the wind and
That king has elephants, which fight as if they were ramming mountains
While his army glowing with weapons, could as well be the ocean.

Along this historical path arrived other kings, both Hindu and Muslim origin, who embraced the elephant as their chosen carriage.

Indian epics and mythology are also sated with stories and anecdotes about the elephant. There is the story of Iravatha, the beautiful white elephant that emerged when Gods and demons churned the ocean of milk. The elephant faced Lord Ganapathi, destroyer of all obstacles, is invoked at the beginning of every endeavor. He is pleased with simple offerings, perhaps a grass garland made with karuka grass or a coconut smashed to smithereens in front of the temple. His favorite food is believed to be modakam, a simple steamed coconut and jaggery sweet encased in rice flour dough.

In contemporary Indian society, elephants continue to be portrayed with as much interest, love and care. Poaching for tusks and illegal trade in ivory have left elephants an endangered species. Elephant tusks weigh over forty to fifty pounds a pair. The dwindling elephant population of Western Ghats is now part of the Elephant Project, a nation wide conservation effort to protect them from extinction.