Popular Legendary Tigers of Ranthambore National Park

the winds howl in the woods of Ranthambore National Park, the music reaches the ears of Majestic Tigers. They complete the rhythm with their roars and dance with joy. In their wild realm, they live majestically. What do you think? Do Tigers tell stories of their old times to their cubs? Do they feel the delight of the weather and season? How do they perceive the innocence in nature, the soothing wind, the rays of the Sun, the bliss of rainfall? What keeps them energetic, well and content?

Do they feel happy when their heart gets a memory?

These questions pop into our mind sometimes when we think about Majestic Tigers. Tigers hold a very important status when we talk about wildlife tourism in India. The charismatic beauty, power and speed always attracts tourists from all across the globe. It is also the only place where you will find the highest density of tigers in the world. We will always be captivated by their beauty, strength and speed. But deep down we know that the wild realm of tigers is different.

In Ranthambore Tiger Reserve we see the most innocent, sweet, tender and encouraging society of tigers. The interesting tiger stories of Ranthambore National Park which will touch your soul. Let’s know about the life stories of some of the most popular Tigers of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve-

 Interesting Tiger Facts of Ranthambore National Park

 Legendary Dead Tigers and Tigresses of Ranthambore National Park

World’s most famous Tigress and the Lady of Lakes – Machli

 In the spectacular wilderness of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Machli – T-16’s memories still shine bright even after the curtain of her life fell in 2016. Machli T-16 is the most photographed tigress in the world. Those who had a chance to witness her witnessed a beautiful wonder of the world. She was named Machli because of the fish shaped mark on the left side of her face.

Machli is the most charismatic, brave and beautiful tigress of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. There are many interesting stories about Machli which show her bold and brave personality. She lived her life gracefully. Even humans can get inspiration from her. She was the most ferocious tigress of Ranthambore National Park. She is known as the Lady of the lakes as she made her territory in all the prime tourist locations of Ranthambore such as Ranthambore Fort Palace, Padam Talao, Malik Talao etc.  She is also known as crocodile killer female tigress. Once she killed a 14ft mugger crocodile who was twice her size. She would often be seen killing crocodiles to protect her cubs. She could beautifully overpower even the male tigers.

She fought all the odds to protect her cubs even after losing her canine teethes. In her old days when she had no canine teethes to hunt she would kill animals to feed herself. She could choke and cut through small animals with those worn out teeth set.

The weak monsoon of 2002 compelled the crocodiles to move from one pool to another. People have seen Machli ‘s courage and ferocious nature to protect her cubs from the hungry crocodiles. Machli also contributed to the conservation of wildlife and captivated the tourists for over a decade with her charm. She was awarded a lifetime achievement award for her contribution to the tourism of Wildlife. Between 1998 and 2009 she helped the Indian government earn nearly US$100 million. 

The Indian government also issued a commemorative postal stamp and cover to honor her economic and ecological contributions. She is also featured in several documentaries, films and magazines. She was the friendliest tigress of Ranthambore who would often pose in front of the photographers. She is the mother of 4 tiger liters which is quite rare for a tigress. Her descendants make up almost half the tiger population of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

She gave all the wildlife enthusiasts and tiger lovers some very beautiful memories to remember. People still remember the magnificence and charm of the Queen of Ranthambore. She is one of the oldest surviving tigresses of the world. She died at the age of 20 which is higher than the average lifespan of a tiger. She is still the celebrity tigress of Ranthambore National Park.

 T-98 – The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth

 The story of T-98 of Ranthambore National Park will definitely melt your heart. The capacity to feel for the loved ones makes humans and animals similar in nature. T-98’s story of resilience and romance makes him one of the most popular and memorable tigers of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

T-98 aka MT3 was a bold and adventurous tiger but he was also a hopeless romantic. He fell in love with a tigress named T-106 aka MT-2 who was shifted to Mukundara Tiger Reserve with a tiger MT-1.  T-98 and MT-2 used to share a territory in Ranthambore National Park. After shifting off MT-2, T-98 became restless as the separation was unbearable for him. So, he decided to embark on a 150 km journey all by himself to reunite with the love of his life. From Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, he reached Mukundara Hills Tiger reserve through the natural tiger corridor between the two reserves. It’s totally liked a Bollywood movie where the hero struggles to win the heart of the love of his life and in the end reunites but Tiger T-98’s love story doesn’t get a happy ending.

Crossing Indergarh and Lakeri regions of Bundi to Sultanpur territorial forests of Kota in a hope to get his love back, T-98 showed his resilience to not give up on his love.  We say, ‘Love is blind’ to humans but it is also applicable for animals. He was so frustrated by the separation that he even attacked a 65-year-old woman to death on December 27 2018. It is still interesting how the tiger had broken out of Ranthambore Reserve.

All his efforts failed when he saw that Tigress MT-2 and MT-1 had already formed a partnership and produced kids. He was heartbroken. After such a long journey he was limping for several days but he was later found dead in Mukundara Tiger Reserve near a waterbody in Mashalpura area. In a postmortem report it was found that he died because of lung infection. The blood clots and fat accumulated in his heart is also one of the causes of his death.

T-25 Dollar Male – Best Caring Father of Ranthambore

 T-25 aka Dollar Male is one of the rarest tigers in the history of Ranthambore Tigers. The life story of this tiger of Ranthambore is very interesting. He is a tiger who cared for the cubs which were not his own. He had two different sides to show to the world. Tourists, locals and forest officials called him Zaalim as he used to chase tourists’ vehicles. He is the one who used to attack on the territory of other male tigers to expand his territory. Ruthless, brave, charismatic, and confident, Zaalim captivated the hearts of every tourist. He is also known as Dollar male because of the dollar shape pattern on his right flank. You won’t believe it but it’s true, he nurtured two orphan cubs of Tigress T-5 who died in 2011. He cared for them like a benevolent mother.  Male tigers are usually a threat to the tiger cubs. It is the sole duty of mother, a tigress to nurture cubs and male tigers don’t take the responsibility of nurturing the cubs. But the dollar male is an exception. He is a tiger with fatherly instincts. He nurtured two female cubs Bina 1 and Bina 2 of T-5 and taught them hunting skills. He also shared his kill with them. He was quite a loner. He made his territory away from the core tourist areas of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. He also protected Bina 1 when a tigress Sundari tried to attack her. Unfortunately, he died in a territorial fight at Khadar region of Ranthambore. His head was crushed in a fight. He will always be remembered as the best father of Ranthambore National Park.

Ustaad T-24- Ferocious Prince of Ranthambore

Ustaad aka T-24, beloved of T-39 Noor, father of T-72 Sultan, is one of the toughest aggressive tigers of Ranthambore. He is also one of the most popular tigers of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Unfortunately, he died in captivity in Sajjangarh Zoo at Udaipur. One of the popular Indian naturalist, conservationist, and writer Valmik Shukla in his book “Living with Tigers” wrote about Ustaad “His very nature was domineering, and I think most other tigers preferred to stay out of his way”. He is the most aggressive tiger of Ranthambore. Tourists, locals and even the officials were scared of him due to his aggressive nature. Some tigers are Shy, but he is the one who would look you straight in the eye and try to attack you if he is angry. He was declared a s the man eater of Ranthambore as he came in limelight when he killed a forest guard named Rampal Saini in 2015. He also killed two villagers in July 2010 and another forest guard in October 2012. He used to drag his prey fearlessly on the highway to eat it in public view. Before he could attack another human, NATA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) suggested his relocation from Ranthambore National Park. Many villagers and forest officials also protested to relocate Ustaad from the forest. As a result, he was moved to Sajjangarh Zoo in Udaipur and remained there in captivity on an area of less than a hectare in contrast to the spacious wilderness of Ranthambore. He died in captivity on December 28, 2022. Warren Pereira, a renowned filmmaker made a documentary named Tiger 24 which is now in theaters and digital platforms. The movie will melt your hearts as it is the story of Ustaad from his point of view. Before his relocation, he lived like a prince in Ranthambore. He was a very affectionate father who shared his territory with his son sultan which is unusual for a male tiger to do and also loved Noor aka T-39 his life partner very much.

Legendary Alive Tigers and Tigresses of Ranthambore National Park

T-38 – Loner’s Homecoming

2012 was the year when T-38 decided to move out of Ranthambore National Park to make a territory of his own. Nobody knew the reason behind this migration. No other tiger had pushed T-38 to go away. It was his decision. He was looking for a big and ideal habitat which is the reason why he chose Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh. It makes us curious to know what kind of adventures he faced on his way. What memories he created? Did the woods of the jungle glaze with a warm smile on him? Everything went unseen. He is a loner. When he reached Kuno after crossing the Chambal ravines, he was the ultimate representative of his own kind. There were no other tigers. But the pangs of isolation, need for bonding couldn’t keep him there for long. He came back to his homeland in 2020 once again. Tigers of Ranthambore never fail to impress wanderers with their interesting stories. T-38 is the brother of legendary tigress Noor T-39. No doubt being adventurous, temperamental, and brave is in his genes. Indeed because of this interesting tale he became one of the most popular tigers of Ranthambore. 

T-39 Noor – Beauty of Ranthambore

 Tourists from all around the globe come to see a glimpse of T-39 aka Noor. Even a glimpse of her makes the wanderer’s day wholesome. She is one of the most senior and popular tigresses of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Her name is Noor because she is the most beautiful tigress of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.  She is seen in the prime tourist zone 1 of Ranthambore. Her bravery, charm and charisma can be compared to Machli. Noor is also called Mala because of the wavy bead-like pattern on her glowing skin. She is the daughter of T-13. Like Machli, her aunt, she is very friendly to the camera. She stays cool and expressive in front of the camera.

She is the only tigress after Machli to give birth at the last stage of her life. Usually, Tigresses are not capable of giving birth after 12 years of age, but she gave birth to the cubs at the age of 15. The tigress had become a mother 5 times. She is an affectionate mother who would leave no stone unturned to protect her cubs.

She also taught her cubs not to shy away from the camera. After Machli, Noor is one of the most photographed tigresses of Ranthambore.  The love story of T-39 Noor and T-24 Ustaad is quite popular in Ranthambore. For some time, they lived happily as a couple at Ranthambore, but later Ustaad was shifted to Sajjangarh Zoo in Udaipur as he became aggressive and dangerous to humans. Their son Sultan T-72 is also one of the most popular tigers of Ranthambore, but he is missing now. Tourists who witnessed her in the jungle still remembered how she protected her two cubs Kalu and Dholu from Tiger T-57 who tried to attack them.

Arrowhead – Machli Junior

 Arrowhead aka T-84 of Ranthambore is one of the most powerful senior tigresses of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. She is named as arrowhead because of the arrow-like mark in her forehead.  She has inherited the charisma of her grandmother Machli as she is a daughter of Krishna aka T-19.  She is also known as Machli Junior. For several years, in her young age she ruled in the most prominent tourist zones of Ranthambore. All the lakesides of Ranthambore came in her territory. She fought with full confidence to acquire the lake territory from her mother T-19 Krishna. Ferociousness is in her genes. She is often seen chasing the tourists’ vehicles when she is not in a mood to pose for photographs. She has also given birth to her third litter a year ago. Moreover, her daughters Riddhi and Siddhi are taking the limelight nowadays and becoming popular tigresses in Ranthambore National Park because of their energy and power.

 Riddhi and Siddhi – Notorious Queens of Ranthambore

 Fifth generation of the legendary tigress Machli, the daughters of Arrowhead T-84 are the precious jewels of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. They both are powerful, ferocious, and beautiful like their great grandmother Machli.  For some time like obedient daughters, they lived peacefully with their mothers but later the fight for the territory began.

Riddhi bravely fought with her mother and acquired her territory. Today she roams like a queen around Padam Talao, Raj Bagh, Malik Talao and Mandoob area.

Tourists come from all over the world to Ranthambore to see ferocious and beautiful tigresses. The stories of Riddhi and Siddhi captivate their souls. Tiger lovers never forgot how Riddhi fought with her sister Siddhi over territory; it was truly a memorable fight. Riddhi got 14 stitches on her tongue.  Tourists also saw Riddhi’s ferocious nature. She is often seen chasing cubs.

Siddhi unlike her sister Riddhi is not very aggressive but if anyone gives her a challenge, she will definitely show her power. It was not Siddhi who started the fight, Riddhi started it but she fought bravely and as a result Riddhi got 14 stitches on her tongue. Siddhi is quiet and clever. She cleverly waits for the moment and then attacks. They both are adorable tigresses of Ranthambore National Park. They are becoming popular and the favorites of tourists in Ranthambore National Park.

Krishna T-19 – Oldest Tigress of Ranthambore

 Her territory is the biggest in the entire Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Yes, she is T-19 aka Krishna or Jhalra Female, the daughter of legendary Tigress Machli. She is one of the most sighted tigresses of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. She ruled over the entire three lakes area, Singh-Dwar, Gular-kui, Tamba-Khan, Lakkada, Maggar- Dah, Gazzal –Hill, Mandoop, High-Point, Nal-Ghati, Khemcha Kund of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. She is a late bloomer. She was shy and timid in her childhood but as the time passed, she grew up to be the tigress of dauntless spirit. From 2008 to 2011 she was quite shy and ruled only on the Mandoop plateau which is the largest plateau of Ranthambore. She was defeated by her sister T-17 which is the reason why she was forced to leave the lake area and move to hilly area in eastern side of lake in Nal Ghati, Narsatta, Mandoop, High Point, Lahpur area and   She was the last of the four litters of Machli aka T-16. When T-17 shifted to Kachida valley to protect her young cubs, T-19 got the chance to rule on lake areas, the best habitat of Ranthambore for Tigers. She is still alive and has become the oldest matriarch of Ranthambore after Machli.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve’s tigers captivate a wanderer’s heart with their interesting tales and stories. Today the wilderness of Ranthambore is filled with more young tigers and tigresses who in future will create awesome stories and memories for the future generations to remember. Generation after generation the legacy of Machli will be continued and her dauntless spirit will be seen in the young royal lineage of tigers of Ranthambore.  Indeed, Ranthambore National Park is a land of legendary tigers.