goondahs

Updated: May 1, 2025

There can be no reasonable doubt that this jealous and exclusive policy not only contributes to produce, but mainly serves to perpetuate, the class of solitary elephants which are known by the term goondahs, in India, and which from their vicious propensities and predatory habits are called Hora, or Rogues, in Ceylon.

Sir James Emerson Tennent - Sketches of the Natural History of Ceylon

These wild bulls are larger and stronger than the common kind, and so untamable in their ferocity that even when captured no use can be made of them, since they will die rather than submit to being trained. They are called Goondahs by the people of Hindostau, and by English hunters Rogues or Rovers. The African elephant next merits attention.

Mayne Reid - Quadrupeds, What They Are and Where Found: A Book of Zoology for Boys