The Queen of Ranthambore!

It's time we look how painstakingly, wildlife photographer Anirudh Laxmipathy captures the last times of the Queen of Ranthambore — the author calls her a 'freak of nature' and his 'spirit animal'. It's time we visit his lens.

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Arrowhead struggling to haul herself out of the waterbody (Shot in Oct 2023 by my friend Murtaza Johar) Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy
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The following trail is a story of courage, that was captured by the passion and devotion of one person and his love for the Big Cats, here specifically, 'The Arrowhead'. 

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Arrowhead with her three cubs (June 2024) Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy
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Hey! am called the Arrowhead! The Rani of Ranthambore. 

It is my domain, these are my cubs,

I am the legend of the lore,

The jungle grovels, if they find me in the shrubs.

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A blazing Arrowhead — in all her glory - the first time I saw her - June 2022 | Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy |
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This is how I am folks,

The creation of beauty,

a centre of the paparazzi,

This is real, am not an AI hoax.

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Glorious Arrowhead - her light shines blazingly forever (Shot June 202 Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy
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If you don't know me.   

And you came to Ranthambore,

Without capturing me,

You are worthless.

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Arrow resting on the banks of Padam Talao right opposite Jogi Mahal - my first glimpse of her on the evening of June 14th 2025 | Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy
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Even this photographer, hasn't really seen me hunt.

I can see he's sneaky, only sees me perch.

But can they ever capture my stealth?

I am the spirit, do you even know my girth? 

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Arrowhead - one of my final glimpses of her - June 17th 2022 | Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy
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Are you aware, how majestically, 

I roam these lands, they are a part of my paws,

but now, even with these thaws,

Don't you know, it's just being theatrically!

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A weak Arrowhead with her cubs (shot in Oct 2023 by my friend Murtaza Johar) - you can notice the lump on her hind-leg | Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy
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A family affair, and why not!

And it is not just these two cuties.

The richness of legend of mine- The Arrowhead,

Spreads way beyond these beauties.ARROWHEAD

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-An extremely frail Arrowhead - few hours prior to her “LAST DANCE” | Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy
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To those who don't know,

I have cancer, and I am outwitted.

The spiracle of nature is,

Now, even my daughter is helping me.

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A pensive ARROWHEAD - June 17 2025 - the last time I saw her on the banks of Padam Talao, Ranthambore | Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy
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I got a share of meat.

I am so grateful,

I am so happy, and it's unheard of.

My daughter, helps make me live.

 ARROWHEAD

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The final time I saw her- could not bring myself to photograph her in such a frail state— put down my camera after taking few photographs | Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy |
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Hey! There, How! How!

Let's meet. I know you can't,

And I leave a void.

After all, I ruled this place.

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-An extremely frail Arrowhead - few hours prior to her “LAST DANCE” Photo: | Anirudh Laxmipathy |
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My own story, is what can't fathom,

My own frailness, I couldn't take,

It's time I take a bow, 

But I know am the Queen ad-infinitum.

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Arrowhead— evening of June 17th 2025 - resting on the banks of Padam Talao | Photo: Anirudh Laxmipathy |
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Now it's time I say goodbye,

But you will find me here.

Please, don't give me that gaze!

I have my wonderful tribe,

and that's how you know I thrive!

(Captions by Srijan Narayan)

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