Mahout

A mahout is an elephant rider, trainer, or keeper. Usually, a mahout starts as a boy in the 'family profession' when he is assigned an elephant early in its life. They remain bonded to each other throughout their lives.

Etymology

The word mahout derives from the Hindi words mahaut (महौत) and mahavat (महावत), and originally from the Sanskrit mahamatra (महामात्र).

Another term is cornac or kornak, which entered many European languages via Portuguese. This word derives ultimately from the Sanskrit term karināyaka, a compound of karin (elephant) and nayaka (leader). In Tamil, the word used is pahan, which means "elephant keeper", and in Sinhalese kurawanayaka ("stable master"). In Malayalam the word used is paappaan.

In Burma, the profession is called oozie; in Thailand kwan-chang; and in Vietnam quản tượng.

Equipment

The most common tools used by mahouts are chains and the Goad Aṅkuśa (or ankus, anlius) – a sharp metal hook used in the training and handling of the elephant by stabbing the elephant in the head, and in areas like the mouth and inner ear, where the animal is most sensitive.