Mangalamkunnu Karnan

Mangalamkunnu Karnan (c. 1956 – 28 January 2021) was an elephant owned by the Mangalamkunnu family (tharavadu), that owns the largest number of captive elephants in Kerala, only behind Guruvayur devaswom. Karnan was known for his ability to raise his head up for a long time, thus able to win in many Thalappokkam (Heads-up) competitions giving him the name Nilavinte Thampuran, which translates into English as Emperor of Heights. Karnan was one of the celebrity elephants in Kerala with a large fan following.

Mangalamkunnu Karnan

Mangalamkunnu Karnan (c. 1956 – 28 January 2021) was an elephant owned by the Mangalamkunnu family (tharavadu), that owns the largest number of captive elephants in Kerala, only behind Guruvayur devaswom. Karnan was known for his ability to raise his head up for a long time, thus able to win in many Thalappokkam (Heads-up) competitions giving him the name Nilavinte Thampuran, which translates into English as Emperor of Heights. Karnan was one of the celebrity elephants in Kerala with a large fan following.