Ashwathama to make Dasara debut this year

At 2.85 m, Ashwathama is taller than howdah-elephant Abhimanyu

Ashwathama is making his debut in Mysuru Dasara festivities here as the elite member of the jumbo team after the Forest Department zeroed in on the elephant from Doddaarave camp. Within four years of its capture from Sakleshpur forests, the 38-year-old jumbo was chosen for Dasara tasks. The 2.85 m-tall Ashwathama, taller than howdah-elephant Abhimanyu, is controlled by mahout Shivu. It was caught in 2017 in Hassan forest range. It weighs around 3,630 kg. It is Abhimanyu’s second year as the ‘Ambari’ elephant. After taking over the mantle from Arjuna, who was rested due to age, last year, the 4,720 kg tusker perfectly carried out its maiden task of carrying the 750 kg golden howdah in the low-key festivities last year. The 58-year-old Abhimanyu from Mattigodu camp was captured over 51 years ago at Hebball forests in Kodagu. It is known for its acumen of capturing wild tigers or elephants straying into human landscape.