Ranthambore tigress Arrowhead dies at 11, here's a look at her family tree

India Today

21-06-2025

Ranthambore National Park mourns the death of one of its most famous tigers, Arrowhead (T-84). Known for her beauty, bravery, and strong lineage, she died at 11 years old, after fighting bone cancer and a brain tumour. Arrowhead was more than a tigress: she was the essence of wild Ranthambore, and the proud granddaughter of Machli, the 'Queen of Ranthambore.'Arrowhead's death signals the end of an era of magnificence in Ranthambore's landscape, but her legacy will remain through her cubs and the innumerable lives she affected.advertisementRanthambore National Park is grieving the death of one of its most recognisable wild residents - Tigress Arrowhead (T-84). At 11 years of age, she passed away after dealing with bone cancer and a brain tumour. Known for her looks, tenacity, and royal heritage, Arrowhead was much more than a tiger - she was an exemplar of strength, beauty, and survival of the wild. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sachin Rai (@sachin_rai_photography)A LEGACY FROM ROYAL TIES
Arrowhead was born in 2014 to Tigress Krishna (T-19) and was the granddaughter of the great Machli (T-16), known as the "Queen of Ranthambore." Machli is one of the most photographed tigers worldwide. She played a significant role in increasing wildlife tourism and the benefits of conservation awareness for tigers in India. Arrowhead was raised by her mother and grandmother, retaining not only her territory but also a courageous nature.IDENTIFICATION BY HER NAMEadvertisementArrowhead earned her nickname and fame from the identifiable arrow-shaped marking on her forehead. The arrow symbol was unique to her, which made her easier to identify. She lived in Zones 2, 3, and 4 of Ranthambore and was one of the most visible and photographed tigresses in the park. Her presence brought joy to countless wildlife photographers and visitors.
Ranthambore tigress Arrowhead dies at 11, here's a look at her family tree (representative image, source Ranthambore website)
Arrowhead was a powerful tigress and a gracious mother. She produced four litters during her lifetime, which helped expand the tiger population in Ranthambore. She is responsible for over 50 tigers that now exist in the family tree of Machli. Her daughter, Kankati (RBT 2507) was recently moved to Mukundra Tiger Reserve, where she will now carry on her mother's legacy in a different home.THE FAMILY TREE OF ARROWHEADHere's a look at the extended royal lineage of Arrowhead:1. MACHLI (T-16) – GRANDMOTHERKnown as the 'Queen of Ranthambore'Had multiple littersMother of three known daughters: Sundari (T-17), Krishna (T-19), and another less-documented female2. KRISHNA (T-19) – MOTHERDaughter of Machli:Gave birth toArrowhead (T-84)Lightning (T-83)Pacman (T-85)3. ARROWHEAD (T-84) – DAUGHTER OF KRISHNAGave birth to at least four littersOne of her cubs, Kankati (RBT 2507), now lives in Mukundra Tiger Reserve.4. ARROWHEAD'S SIBLINGSLightning (T-83): A Known tigress still in RanthamborePacman (T-85): Also sighted in the park
Ranthambore tigress Arrowhead dies at 11, here's a look at her family tree (representative image, source Ranthambore website)
To the forest personnel, wildlife photographers, and tourists, Arrowhead was much more than a majestic creature; she was part of the heart and soul of Ranthambore. Her calm self-confidence, maternal protectiveness, and gutsy demeanour inspired the respect and admiration of all those lucky enough to meet her.Although her death ends an era, her bloodline lives on. Arrowhead's heritage will inspire generations of new wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, through her offspring, and through the myriad of stories shared by those who saw her in her natural, democratic ecosystem.