Posted on: 29 June 2012

Pheel Khana-elephants' quarters, Holcar's camp - 1867

This chromolithograph is taken from plate 31 of William Simpson's 'India: Ancient and Modern'. The royal elephants of the Maharaja Holkar are being prepared for a ceremonial ride by their mahouts or handlers. They are caparisoned with rich hangings and with decorative howdahs (seating platforms). State elephants wore cloth of gold, large anklets and had their faces painted bright colours.

Copyright © The British Library Board


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pardon but the word is 'feel khana',, 'feel' in arabic means elephant

A copy of this print, is hanging in the lobby of the Imperial Hotel in Delhi.

absolutely love the chromolithograph

gold and silver rich hangings were known as HATTI CHI JHOOL.