Mughal Administration c11.56

c11.56

“The two ponderous beasts meet one another face to face...each having a couple of riders that the place of the man who sits on the shoulders for guiding the elephant may immediately be supplied if he should be thrown down. The riders animate the elephants either by soothing words, or by chiding them as cowards, and urge them on with their heels ...The shock is tremendous. There are frequent pauses during the fight ; it is suspended and renewed ...The more courageous elephant attacks his opponent and, putting him to flight, pursues and fastens upon him with so much obstinacy that the animals can be separated only by means of fire-works which are made to explode between them.” (Bernier, 276-277.)