Rewa/New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh, famously known as the Tiger State of India, is home to the country’s highest number of tigers. Yet, it also holds the unique distinction of giving the world its first white tiger—a majestic creature named Mohan, discovered in the forests of Rewa in 1951.
Mohan: From Wild Forest to Royal Palace
In 1951, Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa spotted a rare white tiger in the Bargadi forest of Sidhi. Fascinated by its striking white fur and piercing blue eyes, the Maharaja captured the tiger and brought it to the royal fort at Govindgarh. Mohan’s transformation from a wild jungle dweller to a beloved royal companion was instantaneous.
Treated Like Royalty and Known for Fasting Every Sunday
Mohan was more than just a pet—he was a prince of the Baghel dynasty in his own right. The palace staff affectionately called him ‘Mohan Singh’, and he was cared for with immense respect. One of Mohan’s most intriguing habits was his ritual of fasting every Sunday, when he would refuse food except milk, despite all efforts to persuade him otherwise.
His playful personality shone through as well; Mohan loved playing football, making the royal palace feel less like a zoo and more like his kingdom.
Mohan’s Legacy: The World’s First Naturally Born White Tigers
Mohan fathered three mates, including a tigress named Radha. On October 30, 1958, Radha gave birth to four white cubs—Raja, Rani, Mohini, and Sakeshi—marking the birth of the world’s first naturally born white tigers.
Over time, Mohan sired a total of 34 cubs, 21 of which were white tigers. These descendants spread across zoos in India and internationally, helping to popularize and conserve the species.
The End of an Era and Revival of Mohan’s Legacy
Mohan passed away on December 19, 1969, at 19 years old and was given a state funeral. A mausoleum at the Govindgarh Fort gardens stands in his honor. His last known white tiger descendant in Rewa, named Virat, died in 1976, marking the disappearance of white tigers from the region.
Efforts to revive Mohan’s legacy were rekindled in 2016 under the initiative of Minister Rajendra Shukla. The Maharaja Martand Singh Zoo Dev White Tiger Safari was established in Mukundpur, Govindgarh, bringing the white tiger back to its birthplace with the arrival of a white tigress named Vindhya.
Historical Context: White Tigers in India Before Mohan
Though Mohan is celebrated as the world’s first white tiger, historical records indicate the presence of white tigers in India much earlier. The Akbarnama, the official chronicle of Mughal Emperor Akbar, mentions his hunt of two white tigers in 1561.
Yet, Mohan’s story remains special—not only as a rare animal but as a symbol of Rewa’s royal heritage and India’s rich wildlife tradition.
