मृगपक्षी-शास्त्र (हंसदेव - १३वीं शती का अमर भारतीय वन्यजीव, पक्षी एवं प्राणि-विज्ञान)

[13th variety of ELEPHANTS]
(STAMBERAMA)
These kinds of elephants are very stout and blue in colour, pos-
sessing very smooth bodies. Though they take a little food, they are
very powerful and strong. They are very shrewd and intelligent.
They never fail in any work and they are easily trainable. They can
withstand any kind of hard work and difficulties. Their nature would
be changed according to their age. They are always fond of listening
to sweet words, and they are very grateful to their masters. They
are not at all bad tempered. (They never lose temper). They are
fat when they are young. They have lions' eyes. Their appearance is
clean and smell good. They never injure other souls. They love others
and pleasing to all. There are many varieties of elephants borne in
forests as mentioned above. Generally, female elephants are of the
same qualities, nature and work. They have no tusks and they are
always calm and peaceful. They always feel shy and they are more
powerful and intelligent but, a little less in size. They are more beau-
tfull and smooth. They do not take much food. Their work is very
delightf ul.. They do give birth to 3 or 4 issues in their life time and
they have much affection towards their young ones like cows. They
love and please to all souls. Both sexes of elephants have their youth
till 40 years. After that time, they are not be so strong and fair as they
were in youth and are unfit for hard work. They caught by Keddah
in their 3rd year. They are well fed and given good training. They
are said to be invaluable gems. Their utmost age is 100 years. Owing
to their breed and work they are termed to be RAJASA UTTAMA or
superior in 2nd class.
—23—