Elephants have a long history in the employ of man. From the first millennium B.C until the 19th century, they played a significant role in warfare and ceremonies .The elephant has been referred to as 'gaja', 'naga', 'dvipa', 'hastin', 'karenu', 'karin', 'datin', etc in the Indian epics. They were valued for their immense strength and intelligence and their ability to be trained in human service. Although they commonly had uses for moving heavy loads from forest timber to artillery pieces, one of their most important roles was as fighting machines. They could trample men and horses alike, pick up and throw men and horse together, and wield swords attached to their tusks. The relationship between the elephant and his driver, or mahout, was very close and long lasting. The mahout would sit astride the elephant's neck, and direct the animal with his feet, and with a hafted hook and spike called an ankush. In addition to the mahout, a number of crew would sit astride the animal in a Howdah - a wooden framed seat.

The Howdah is a two-compartmentalized wooden seat (mostly covered with gold and silver embossed sheets), which was fastened on the elephant's back. The front compartment with more leg space and a raised protective metal sheet was meant for kings or royalty and the rear (smaller) ones for reliable bodyguards. This gallery displays fine examples of elephant seats from the Royal Collection, which is regarded as the finest in the country. A priceless and unique historical Howdah is the silver one presented to the Maharaja Jaswant Singh I (1638-78) by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, as a mark of special honor.