1. The Birth of a Legend: Mohan’s Tale
In the lush forests near Rewa, a rare spectacle unfolded in 1951—a white tiger cub was brought into the light. Captured by Maharaja Martand Singh from the Govindgarh (Sidhi district) jungles, this cub named Mohan would become the cherished progenitor of nearly every captive white Bengal tiger in existence today
Mohan was not merely a rarity; he became the very seed of a unique genetic legacy. The Maharaja’s fascination with this "half-albino" marvel led him to embark on a captive breeding program, hoping to preserve and propagate this striking phenotype.
2. Legacy Beyond Reproduction: The Politics of Preservation
Mohan’s story did not remain confined to royal walls. His descendants, bred within captivity, spread across India and the world. All white tigers in zoos today trace their lineage back to this single heroic cat.
Yet, the methods employed—particularly inbreeding between Mohan and his daughter—yielded powerful results: a line of white cubs, including Raja, Rani, Mohini, and Sukeshi . But this approach came with a heavy cost: genetic defects, weakened immunity, and conservationists’ firm disapproval of prioritizing form over healthy function.
3. A Sanctuary Rises in Rewa
Fast forward to recent times: in 2016, Rewa saw the inauguration of the world’s first White Tiger Safari, established near Mukundpur—some 20 km from Rewa. An adjoining zoo opened its gates, celebrating Mohan’s legacy and supporting conservation awareness (though experts questioned its scientific value). The Times of IndiaOutlook IndiaWikipedia
This venue, named the Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo White Tiger Safari and Zoo, is set across 100 hectares of woodland and grassland landscape. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to behold these majestic cats while learning of their storied past.
4. A New Chapter: Breeding with Caution
Today, Rewa’s legacy continues—this time with scientific precision. The Central Zoo Authority of India has approved the country’s first white tiger breeding centre in Govindgarh. Nestled near the existing safari, the centre promises proper genetic management, biodiversity enhancement, conservation research, and employment for local communities.
In Closing
Rewa’s white tiger story is both majestic and cautionary—a tale entwined with royal fascination, genetic wonder, and conservation controversy. Mohan, the lone cub from 1951, became the spark that ignited a global lineage. Yet his legacy also reminds us that preservation must tread hand in hand with wisdom.