Colonising Elephant Hunting in Assam (1826–1947)

Abstract

Elephant has always played an important role in the history of Assam. Because of its strategic importance, elephant has always been preserved while other wild animals such as rhinoceros, tigers, leopards, bears, wolves, hyenas, wild boars, wild pigs, hogs, wild dogs, deer and bear were hunted for games, and attempts were made at the total annihilation of these animals during the colonial rule. Though the cases of elephant hunting for ivory were not uncommon, it was mostly preferred to be captured for its usefulness. Elephant was not only used for transportation, hauling and administrative purposes, but it was also a very good hunting friend. Because of the strategic importance of the animal, elephant hunting became a monopoly of the British government during colonial rule in Assam. Process of elephant catching and its management was also controlled by the British as it was also one of the important sources of revenue for the British government. The wildlife protection policy in India started with the elephant’s preservation policy of 1879. Thus, elephant plays an important role in the wildlife preservation of India. This article deals with the process of colonisation of elephant hunting, and an attempt has been made to study the management of elephants under kheddah department as well as private lease system, methods of elephant catching, elephant protection policies, conflicts over the access of the animal and revenue from elephants.