THE TIGER DYNASTIES OF TADOBA
A visual deep-dive into the lineages, power struggles, and survival of the Bengal Tigers in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
93
Adult Tigers Recorded in 2023
+80
Total Tigers Roaming The Reserve
13
Cubs Sired by the Legendary Queen Maya
The Queen's Legacy: Maya's Lineage
Maya (T-12), the undisputed "Queen of Tadoba," built a formidable dynasty. Born in 2010 to Nira, she survived being orphaned and rose to dominate her mother's territory, contributing significantly to Tadoba's population over five litters.
Nira (Bala)
The Matriarch
Maya (T-12)
Born Dec 2010
Litter 1 (2014)
w/ Gabbar (2 Cubs)
Litter 2 (2015)
w/ Saturn (3 Cubs)
Litter 3 (2017)
w/ Matkasur (2 Cubs)
Litter 4 (2020)
w/ Tala (5 Cubs)
Litter 5 (2022)
w/ Balram (1 Cub)
Prolific Parents
Certain tigers have had an outsized impact on Tadoba's gene pool. Males like Bajrang and Waghdoh sired dozens of cubs, while matriarchs like Madhuri and Maya were famously successful mothers.
The Circle of Life
Life in Tadoba is a constant battle. While some tigers live to old age, many fall victim to fierce territorial fights, human-wildlife conflict, or simply disappear into the dense jungle.
A Timeline of Titans
MAY 2022
The Fall of a King
Waghdoh (Big Daddy), a legendary patriarch who sired over 30 cubs, dies of old age at 17, ending an era of dominance.
AUGUST 2023
The Queen Vanishes
Maya (T-12), disappears from her territory. At 13 years old, she is presumed to have died, marking the end of her long and prolific reign.
NOVEMBER 2023
Clash of the Titans
The dominant male Bajrang, sire of over 40 cubs, is killed in a brutal territorial fight by the rising challenger, Chota Matka.
MAY 2025
Another King Dethroned
Chota Matka continues his reign of terror, killing the male tiger Brahma in another territorial dispute, cementing his status as a formidable force.
The New Kings of the Jungle
Chota Matka
The Undefeated King
Son of Matkasur and Choti Tara, this massive tiger rules the buffer areas. He is known for his aggression, having killed dominant males Bajrang and Brahma to secure his territory.
Shambhu
The Gladiator
A scion of the great Waghdoh, Shambhu is a "gladiator" reaching his prime. He demonstrated his dominance by killing a rival's cubs and subsequently mating with the tigress, Choti Madhu.
Chota Dadhiyal
The Handsome Prince
Considered the most handsome tiger in Tadoba, this young male from the Sirkhadha buffer has already sired cubs with the famous Telia tigress, Sonam, and is expanding his influence.