Machli's Family Tree: Ranthambore's Famous Tigress Line

Why Machli Still Matters

Machli, the legendary tigress of Ranthambore, died in 2016 and is often called the most photographed tiger in the world. Her influence did not end with her death. Several of today's best-known tigers are her descendants, and understanding the family helps visitors recognise names mentioned by guides and in the news.Our Fort Museum article touches on this history, and this article goes deeper.

The Line at a Glance

Machli: the matriarch, whose territory around the lakes and fort made her famous.

T-19 (Krishna): Machli's daughter and the mother of several well-known tigresses.

T-84 (Arrowhead): T-19's daughter, known for the arrow-shaped mark on her face and for raising several litters of three cubs.

T-111 (Shakti): another daughter of T-19 Krishna, frequently sighted on safaris, alone or with cubs.

T-63: an offspring of T-19, who had multiple litters over the years.

Arrowhead (T-84)

Arrowhead is the daughter of T-19 and became one of the most talked-about tigresses in the park. She was reported with three cubs on more than one occasion, and she was once monitored closely after appearing weak before giving birth. In July 2023 she gave birth to three cubs for the fourth time, and she and her cubs were later seen walking around Ranthambore Fort. Arrowhead died on 19 June 2025 after a long battle with bone cancer, according to news reports. Three days earlier she had still taken down a crocodile. (Sources disagree on her age, 11 or 14, so avoid stating one.)

Shakti (T-111)

Shakti is the daughter of T-19 Krishna and is among the most frequently sighted tigresses. In May 2025 she was reported with two cubs, her second litter, after an earlier litter of three. The cubs' father is believed to be T-121. Forest officials increased security around her after the sighting. (Check for newer updates on her territory and cubs.)

T-63

T-63, another offspring of T-19, had multiple litters. In 2015 she gave birth to two females (T-93 and T-94), in 2018 to two males (T-120 and T-121), and in 2021 she was reported with three more cubs in the Chindwari-Lalpura area. This shows how one family can shape the tiger population across many zones.

Why Lineage Helps Visitors

• It gives context to guides' stories on safari
• It shows how tiger territories pass from mother to daughter
• It explains why certain areas produce reliable sightings year after year It makes the park's conservation history easier to follow, see conservation history

Seeing Descendants Today

Tiger territories shift, so a tigress seen in one zone this year may be elsewhere next season.Use our zone guideand the sighting updates page to see where recent activity is happening, and ask your guide for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Machli?

A famous Ranthambore tigress who died in 2016 and is widely regarded as one of the most photographed tigers ever.

Are Arrowhead and Shakti related?

Yes, both are daughters of T-19 Krishna, making them sisters.

Can I see Machli's descendants?

Possibly, but sightings are never guaranteed and territories change.