Do You Know the Story of Mohan—the White Tiger

When we think of India’s wildlife, the majestic Bengal tiger immediately comes to mind. But among these striped predators, one tiger became legendary—not for his power or ferocity, but for his rare snow-white coat with black stripes. His name was Mohan, and he was the first recorded wild white tiger in India, discovered in 1951. Mohan’s story is not just about a rare animal. It is also about human fascination with uniqueness, the beginnings of captive breeding programs, and the ethical debates surrounding conservation. Mohan became the ancestor of nearly all white tigers in captivity today, making his legacy both fascinating and controversial.

Let’s uncover the remarkable story of Mohan—the white tiger who changed India’s wildlife history forever.

1. The Discovery of Mohan in Rewa

In May 1951, in the jungles of Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, hunters led by Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa spotted a tigress with four cubs. Among them was a rare cub with a pure white coat and black stripes. The hunting party shot the tigress and three of the cubs but decided to capture the unique white cub alive. This little cub, later named Mohan, was brought to the Maharaja’s palace and became a prized possession. This event marked the beginning of the modern history of white tigers.

2. Why Was Mohan So Special?

White tigers are not a separate species but a rare genetic variant of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). Their striking white coat is the result of a recessive gene. Both parents must carry this gene for a white cub to be born. At that time, white tigers were almost unheard of. Mohan’s capture made headlines worldwide, and his unique looks fascinated scientists, zoos, and the general public.

3. Life at the Rewa Palace

After his capture, Mohan lived in the Govindgarh Palace under the care of Maharaja Martand Singh. The Maharaja became deeply attached to the tiger, feeding him by hand in his early years. Mohan became somewhat of a celebrity, attracting dignitaries, scientists, and visitors from across the world. For the Maharaja, Mohan was both a status symbol and a symbol of India’s rich natural heritage.

4. The Start of Captive Breeding

The Maharaja hoped to continue Mohan’s rare lineage. Initially, Mohan was mated with normal orange tigresses, which resulted in orange cubs carrying the recessive white gene. Eventually, by breeding Mohan with one of his daughters, Radha, the first litter of white cubs was born in 1958. This was a historic moment—proving that white tigers could be bred in captivity. Over time, Mohan sired many cubs, and his bloodline spread across India and beyond.

5. Mohan’s Global Legacy

Almost every white tiger alive today in zoos around the world can trace its ancestry back to Mohan. His descendants were distributed to different zoos, including:

• Delhi Zoo, which received some of the first white tigers from Rewa.

• Bhubaneswar’s Nandankanan Zoo, which became famous for its breeding program.

• Zoos in Europe and the United States, where Mohan’s lineage continued.

This means that Mohan is the genetic father of the global population of white tigers.

6. The Controversy of Inbreeding

While Mohan’s story is fascinating, it also comes with controversy. Because the white coat is a result of a rare gene, breeders often resorted to inbreeding (mating close relatives) to ensure more white cubs were born. This led to health issues in some white tigers, including:

• Crossed eyes (even if they appear normal).

• Reduced fertility.

• Physical deformities in extreme cases.

Thus, while Mohan’s legacy spread worldwide, it also sparked debates about whether breeding for appearance was ethical.

7. White Tigers in Indian Culture and Symbolism

In Indian tradition, tigers have always been symbols of strength, courage, and majesty. The rare white tiger became a cultural icon—seen as mystical and divine. For many, Mohan symbolized India’s exotic wildlife and became a living treasure of the Rewa dynasty. Even today, the white tiger is used as a powerful symbol in Indian zoos and tourism.

8. Mohan’s Later Life

Mohan lived most of his life in the palace before being shifted to an enclosure. He lived until 1969, dying at the age of 19. His body was preserved and is still kept in Govindgarh Palace Museum in Rewa, as a reminder of his extraordinary story.

9. White Tigers Today

Today, white tigers can be found in several Indian zoos, including:

• Nandankanan Zoological Park (Odisha) – famous for its successful breeding program.

• Delhi Zoo (National Zoological Park).

• Chandrapur’s Maharajbagh Zoo (Maharashtra).

Globally, they are also found in the United States, Europe, and Asia. However, conservationists continue to stress that while white tigers are beautiful, saving wild tigers as a whole species is far more important.

10. The Ethical Debate Around Mohan’s Legacy

Mohan’s story raises important questions:

• Should humans interfere with genetics just to preserve rare traits?

• Is the fascination with white tigers taking attention away from saving wild tiger populations?

• Can captive breeding truly help conservation, or is it just for show?

Many conservationists argue that the focus should be on preserving natural tiger habitats rather than breeding for rare appearances. Mohan, though iconic, became a starting point for this debate.

FAQ

Q1: Who was Mohan, the white tiger?
Mohan was the first recorded wild white tiger of India, captured in 1951 from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. He became the ancestor of most white tigers in captivity today.

Q2: Where was Mohan discovered?
Mohan was discovered in the jungles of Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, in 1951 by Maharaja Martand Singh.

Q3: Are white tigers a separate species?
No, white tigers are not a separate species. They are a genetic variant of the Bengal tiger, born due to a recessive gene.

Q4: Where can we see white tigers today?
You can see them in Indian zoos such as Nandankanan Zoological Park (Odisha), Delhi Zoo, and in many international zoos.

Q5: What happened to Mohan after his death?
Mohan lived until 1969. After his death, his body was preserved and displayed at Govindgarh Palace Museum in Rewa.

Conclusion

The story of Mohan—the white tiger is one of beauty, rarity, and controversy. From his discovery in the jungles of Rewa to becoming the forefather of all captive white tigers, Mohan shaped global fascination with this rare genetic marvel. While his legacy continues in zoos around the world, Mohan also reminds us of a greater truth: conservation must focus on protecting wild habitats and ensuring the survival of all tigers—not just the rare ones. Mohan’s story is not just about one tiger. It is a reflection of our relationship with nature—where wonder, pride, and ethical dilemmas come together.

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