She came! She saw! She conquered!
On August 18, 2016, on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, the world’s most famous tiger Machli (T-16) aka ‘The lady of the Lake’, took her last breath at the age of 19 in the Ranthambore National Park where she was born, brought up, ruled, lived her life with dignity and created history. The news of her demise shocked me, as I have visited Ranthambore multiple times but never got the opportunity to meet her. It was my dream to see her at least once. I was planning a visit, but unfortunately, before I could implement my plan, she passed away.
Her story and journey of becoming world’s most famous tiger is an inspiring tale that every Indian should know and be proud of. She was born in 1997 and was spotted for the first time with her mother and siblings as a 3-month-old cub.
Since her life has inspired me very much, and on the occasion of her 21st birth anniversary, this piece is a small tribute from my side to the legendary tigress Machli. Being a tigress, why was she so famous? Why has she been touted as the ultimate ‘Tiger Queen’? What is the reason behind her name Machli? Here are some amazing facts about the legendary tigress.
The Secret Behind The Unique Name Machli
On the records of Ranthambore National Park, she was titled T-16. Initially, she was known as Jhalara, but later renamed as Machli due to fish-shaped marks on her body. Originally, the name Machli was passed from her mother who had a fork-like mark on her face.
World’s Most Photographed Tiger
Not only was Machli the world’s most famous tigress, she was also the most photographed tiger, worldwide. Apart from this, she is also possibly one of the most documented tigers in history. Unbelievably, she had added $10 million a year to Ranthambore’s income for the past 10 years. Can most humans possibly beat this?
Lifetime Achievement Award
Machli gave birth to eleven tiger cubs, including seven females and four males. Her progeny increased the tiger population in the Ranthambore National Park and made about 60% of tigers in her lineage. She won the “Lifetime Achievement Award” of Travel Operators For Tigers for her contribution to conservation and tourist attraction that contributed significantly to the Indian economy. Kudos!
Fight With Crocodiles And Male Tigers
Machli was always making headlines during her lifetime. She was a warrior with the extraordinary spirit of a fighter. A video of her killing a 14-feet long crocodile made Machli an internet sensation overnight. Before this, she fought and defeated many male tigers bigger and stronger than her to save her cubs and dynasty.
Longest Running Tiger Dynasty: The Lady Of The Lake
She was the queen of Ranthambore National Park’s most prestigious lake area. At a very young age, she claimed the throne from her mother by defeating her and ruled that area for 10 long years, which was the one of the longest-running tiger dynasties in history. Thus, she was also known as the ‘Lady of the Lake’. Later, she was dethroned by her daughter T-17 (Sundari) from her last litter. Unfortunately, Sudari went missing and never returned. Her younger sister T-19 (Krishna) is now reigning as the Queen of the Lake.
Even though we are human, we try hard to leave our mark in the world, but success is not guaranteed for everyone. However, at least we can learn how to live life with dignity from Machli. Rest in peace, Machli!