You knew summer had truly arrived when Arrowhead showed up near Padam Talab — calm, sure-footed, her arrow mark catching the sun. The jungle seemed to slow down around her.
Here are five times she truly stunned us — and reminded everyone why she wasn’t just another tigress.
1. She carried an iconic legacy Born in February 2014 to tigress Krishna, she was the granddaughter of the iconic Machhli. That strength in her walk? It clearly ran in the family.
2. Her name became her signature Arrowhead got her name from the arrow-shaped mark on her forehead — a detail that made her instantly recognisable, even from afar.
3. She ruled Ranthambore’s heart She owned Zones 2 and 3. Often seen near Padam Talab, she walked the same paths season after season — steady, calm, unmistakable.
4. She hunted a crocodile, just like Machhli One morning, not long ago, she stunned everyone by taking on a crocodile by Padam Talab. It was raw, bold, unforgettable.
5. She raised a strong legacy of her own She leaves 10 cubs behind, six still running wild. Her roar may have faded, but her spirit lives on — in pawprints, trails, and stories.
She raised them with space and instinct. One of her daughters, Kankati, was relocated to Mukundra this June.
Around the same time, Arrowhead began to slow down. Officials later confirmed she was suffering from a brain tumour. On June 19, not long after Kankati left, Arrowhead was found lying near Jogi Mahal. By morning, she had passed.
She was cremated at Rajbagh as per NTCA protocol. Forest staff, guides, and photographers gathered to say goodbye.
Even now, when you stand by Padam Talab, you can sense her absence. And yet, it’s easy to believe she’s still somewhere close, watching.