Drawing of an Elephant c. 1700 India, Mughal School, early 18th Century Ink on paper Image: 12.8 x 18.1 cm (5 1/16 x 7 1/8 in.); Overall: 20 x 25.3 cm (7 7/8 x 9 15/16 in.) Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1969.65 DID YOU KNOW? Domesticated elephants had their tusks trimmed and decorated with gold rings. DESCRIPTION Beginning with Babur, but especially with Akbar, the Mughal emperors displayed an enormous interest in and affection for the elephants of India. The palace housed many elephants, used by the royal court for practical tasks such as carrying heavy loads through rivers and over difficult ground, for charging into battle, and, sometimes, for executing captives. They were also used for entertainment purposes such as riding, ceremonial processions, hunting, and fighting. Royal elephants were cared for by trained staff and kept on a special diet. Their tusks, necks, and ankles were often decorated with golden chains and hoops encrusted with jewels and pearls. CITATIONS Kathman, Barbara A. A Cleveland Bestiary. Cleveland, OH; Cleveland Museum of Art, 1981. Reproduced: p. 40; Mentioned: p. 39, p. 62 EXHIBITION HISTORY Year in Review: 1969. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (January 27-February 22, 1970). A Cleveland Bestiary. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (October 14-December 16, 1981). Art and Stories from Mughal India. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (July 31-October 23, 2016).