TANJORE KINGDOM ELEPHANT GOAD

Steel has been used for making this elephant goad. The sharp point and hook were used to guide the animal to behave or move in a specific way, making it a crucial tool for handling elephants that were trained and guided for combat.

Numerous weapons acquired by the British from the armoury of Tanjore dynasty (Tamil Nadu) are displayed. Many of them are decorated intricately with motives of floral, faunal, geometrical and abstract designs. Mythological creatures such as ‘Yazhi’ and ‘Makara’ are recurring themes. In addition, images of eagles and parrots appear frequently.

Timescale showing the dynasties that existed in Tanjore:

Period (in CE)	Dynasty
850 - 1279	CHOLA
1279 - 1311	PANDYA
1311 - 1378	DELHI SULTANATE
1378 - 1673	VIJAYANAGAR
1673 - 1855	MARATHA
1855 - 1947	BRITISH