Farewell, Arrowhead: Ranthambore’s Tigress Leaves Behind A Roaring Legacy

On June 19, Ranthambore National Park bid farewell to one of its most celebrated residents, Tigress T-84, affectionately known as Arrowhead. After a prolonged illness, believed to be bone cancer, Arrowhead passed away, leaving behind not just pawprints in the soil but a powerful legacy etched in the hearts of those who followed her journey.

Arrowhead was no ordinary Indian tigress. She belonged to a legendary bloodline — the daughter of Krishna and granddaughter of Machli, both renowned tigresses of Ranthambore. But Arrowhead forged her own identity with unmatched grace and quiet defiance. Over the years, she grew into a formidable presence in the park, commanding the territory with strength and intelligence.

Wildlife photographer Sachin Rai gave a tribute to Ranthambore's queen on Instagram,

“The forest seems incomplete without her. I’ve spent countless hours in her company, watching her grow from a cub to a confident mother. Today, her absence is a hollow I can’t explain. Arrowhead wasn’t just a tigress, she was a part of Ranthambhore’s soul.”

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Her journey through life was not without challenges. She lost cubs to natural threats and pressure from rival males. In time, her daughter even displaced her from her domain. Yet, her resilience never faded. She raised four litters during her lifetime, a remarkable feat in the wild, and five of her cubs are known to have survived, continuing her bloodline.

Her passing was discovered by forest officials on the morning of June 20, close to Jogi Mahal. It came only hours after one of her daughters was relocated to another reserve, a moment some believe may have emotionally impacted the ageing tigress.

In her final days, Arrowhead’s condition deteriorated visibly. Those familiar with the park noticed her movements had grown slow, her frame lean, and her appetite minimal. But even in her frailty, she astonished onlookers. Just days before her death, she took down a crocodile, a testament to her enduring spirit and predatory skill, even as her strength was waning.

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For the many photographers, naturalists, and visitors who had encountered her over the years, Arrowhead was unforgettable. She may not have been the most widely photographed, but those who saw her in the wild often described the experience as profound. Her calm confidence and raw power made her a standout even among Ranthambore’s celebrated tigers.