ANKUSH WITH WOODEN HANDLE

This wooden Ankush with a sharp iron goad is a vintage and rare collectible.

Ankush is a tool which was used as an elephant goad in handling and training of elephants. It has a pointed hook usually made of bronze or steel or iron and this is used as the main tool in handling the elephant.

This goad also has auspicious importance in Hinduism and is thought to be one of the eight auspicious objects known as the Ashtamangala. Lord Ganesha is sometimes shown holding an Ankush in his right upper arm. Ankush is the symbol of control, the idea of controlling our thoughts and mind is greatly spoken of in Hinduism and its meditation techniques.

Acknowledging the fact that handling elephants by piercing them with a sharp tool is an act of utmost cruelty, Indian government has banned the use of Iron Ankush.