The execution punishment by elephant was a common method in some ancient Asian regions, particularly from the 13th to the 19th century. It was used to punish serious crimes such as treason, rebellion, and murder.
Historically, elephants were employed to execute prisoners in places such as Myanmar, the Malay Peninsula, Brunei, and even the Kingdom of Champa. In Siam, now known as Thailand, elephants were trained to lift condemned prisoners into the air and then stomp them to death.
Under the guidance of the mahout, elephants were used to carry out horrific executions in various parts of the world. In some cases, the elephants were controlled to slowly crush each limb of the condemned person, causing excruciating death. The elephants could also toss victims around, drag them, or even use their tusks to stab them before crushing the skull of the condemned to end their suffering.
The execution by elephant is believed to have first appeared in Southeast Asia around the 13th century. Here, elephants were seen as symbols of strength, power, and wisdom; thus, using them to punish criminals was regarded as a way to demonstrate the supreme authority of the king. From there, this execution method spread to other countries in the region. This punishment was also recorded in South Asia, particularly in India and Sri Lanka. However, the methods of execution could vary slightly compared to other regions.
In Sri Lanka, historical documents recount a terrifying execution method where elephants were equipped with sharp blades attached to their tusks. These razor-sharp blades were designed to tear apart the bodies of criminals, causing unimaginable suffering and adding a horrific element to the execution process.
Meanwhile, there was an especially brutal method of tying the criminal to a stake, after which an elephant would charge at them, crushing them to death upon impact. In China, the use of elephants as a punishment was less common but was employed during certain dynasties.
There are various methods to carry out execution by elephant, but all share the purpose of causing painful and humiliating death to the victim. A common method was to tie the victim to a wooden post or stake deeply embedded in the ground. Then, trained elephants would be released to trample upon them. Victims often faced being crushed, losing limbs, and dying in extreme agony.
In ancient India, both Hindu and Muslim rulers employed a brutal execution method known as “under the feet of the elephant” for various offenses. According to the Hindu scripture Manu Smriti, written from 200 BCE to 200 CE, this method was prescribed for crimes such as theft. For instance, if someone stole property, the king had the right to order the execution of the thieves by having elephants trample them.
Execution by elephant was used to punish serious crimes such as treason, rebellion, murder, and acts against the king or authorities. It was considered an effective deterrent, instilling fear in those intending to commit crimes. Additionally, this punishment served as torture, making victims endure extreme physical and mental pain before death. It was seen as a fitting punishment for their wrongdoings.
This behavior was not limited to theft. Tax evaders, rebels, and even enemy combatants faced this horrific form of punishment. It was regarded as a spectacle frequently used to instill fear and deter others from committing similar offenses. Historical records indicate that in 1305, the Sultan of Delhi organized a public execution where Mongol prisoners were crushed to death by elephants, turning their demise into a form of entertainment for the crowd.
Under the pressure of humanitarian movements and increasing awareness of human rights, execution by elephant gradually fell out of favor in most countries in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is regarded as a barbaric act and a severe violation of fundamental human rights.
The punishment by elephant represents a dark chapter in Asian history, reflecting the brutality and disregard for human rights of the past. The abolition of this execution method marks an important step in the civilizing process of humanity, moving towards a society that respects human values and dignity.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the first signs of the relationship between humans and elephants may have appeared over 40,000 years ago in Southeast Asia. However, the true domestication of elephants, meaning they were bred and raised in captivity, is believed to have begun around 4,500 years ago in the region of Mesopotamia (now Iraq).
