In answer to your plea for interesting Indian facts, here's a little unusual information regarding Indian animals.
HOW MAHOUTS DO IT
If you have ever noticed, zoo keepers and trainers are wary of bull elephants. This is because when in a state of sexual excitement they develop musth, a condition that makes them go bananas.
However, if you've ever seen pictures of Indian elephant parades in India, you may have noticed that they have bull elephants in them. How do the mahouts driving them stop them attacking everybody in sight if they are suddenly seized with musth?
It's simple: in such parades all elephants are caparisoned with gorgeous raiment, which cover their back and sides. Musth is a nervous condition. If you were to peek under the aforementioned gorgeous raiment, you would find a network of ropes and knots. Each knot is carefully placed alongside the nexus of various nerves. If the elephant shows signs of musth, the mahout simply pulls on the end of the rope. The knots tighten on the nerve centres, stopping the progress of the musth, so it doesn't travel around the elephant's body, causing it to go wild.
So, at least, I understand.
Camels also get musth, but I don't know what you do with them. All I can suggest is speaking soothingly, but I have a funny feeling that wouldn't work.
If visiting the Punjab and you stray too near a riverbank, Indian belief will tell you to take care with any jalparis you might encounter. If you are male, a jalpari may emerge from the river. She may try to seduce you. If you rebuff her, beware! She will drown you.
Regards,
Ronan.
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