The elephant goad, bullhook, or ankusha[1] is a tool employed by mahout in the handling and training of elephants. The pointed tip of an elephant goad or a bullhook could be used to stab the elephant's head if the elephant charged nearby people, risking injury or death to the rider and bystanders. The elephant goad consists of a hook (usually bronze or steel) which is attached to a 60–90 cm (2.0–3.0 ft) handle, ending in a tapered end.
A relief at Sanchi and a fresco at the Ajanta Caves depict a three-person crew on the war elephant, the driver with an elephant goad, what appears to be a noble warrior behind the driver and another attendant on the posterior of the elephant.[2]
Nossov and Dennis (2008: p. 19) report that two perfectly preserved elephant goads were recovered from an archaeological site at Taxila and are dated from 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE according to Marshall. The larger of the two is 65 cm (26 in) long.[2]
Nossov and Dennis (2008: p. 16) state:
An ankusha, a sharpened goad with a pointed hook, was the main tool for managing an elephant. The ankusha first appeared in India in the 6th-5th century BC and has been used ever since, not only there, but wherever elephants served man.[3]
- ^ Dalal, Roshen (2014-04-18). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin UK. p. 559. ISBN 978-81-8475-277-9.
- ^ a b Nossov, Konstantin & Dennis, Peter (2008). War Elephants. illustrated by Peter Dennis. Edition: illustrated. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-84603-268-7 [1] (accessed: Monday April 13, 2009), p.18
- ^ Nossov, Konstantin & Dennis, Peter (2008). War Elephants. illustrated by Peter Dennis. Edition: illustrated. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-84603-268-7 [2] (accessed: Monday April 13, 2009), p.16