Can the Rajmata's legacy survive?

On 28 June 2025, the Sariska Tiger reserve in Alwar, Rajasthan created history by consecrating the country's first tiger memorial in remembrance of Rajmata, the late tigress ST-2, who played a crucial role in reviving the tiger population of the reserve.

- ARGHA KUMAR BANERJEE

Tucked away against the picturesque backdrop of the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, the lure of the Sariska Tiger reserve has been revived for tourists in recent years. Yet, in the not-so-distant past, it was desperately struggling with its tiger population.

Between 2004 and 2008, Sariska had lost all its tigers to poaching, and the confirmation of the tragic news came as a rude shock for all wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists of the country.

Translocated from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in 2008, ST-2 (now revered as Rajmata) had a remarkable role to play in the revival of the tiger population in Sariska.

Born to Machli T-16 and Tiger T-2 of Ranthambore, ST-2, following her translocation to Sariska, lived for over 19 years—a remarkable feat for any big cat living in the wild.

Following her ailing health with age, coupled with a grievous wound in the tail, she was confined for treatment in the Karankabas enclosure in the Naya Pani area of the Sariska reserve for nearly three months before passing away on 11 January 2024.

Following her translocation from Ranthambore, much to the relief of the park authorities, she not only swiftly adjusted to her new surroundings but ensured the continuity of the legacy of tigers in Sariska by giving birth to tigresses like ST7, ST8, ST14, and the male tiger ST13.

She earned the title of Rajmata or Queen Mother for reviving the tiger population which, as mentioned earlier, in 2008 had been shockingly reduced to zero.

What was the reason behind her reincarnation as a Rajmata? Rajasthan is renowned for its glorious legacy of Queen mothers: Rajmata Krishna Kumari of Jodhpur; Rajmata Gayatri Devi and Rajmata Padmini Devi of Jaipur; Rajmata Sushila Kumari of Bikaner, to mention a few.