Rhinoceros fight in Baroda

Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce, 1 March 1856
Baroda, 24 February 1856 – Fight in Baroda
In the evening a number of officers went to the city to see a rhinoceros fight got up by the Guicowar. His Highness and visitors were stationed on an elevated balcony in one corner of a large arena; this arena was surrounded with thousands of anxious spectators in various colored head dresses, and behind were ranged elephants crowded with lookers on; while, higher still, you saw the trees dotted all over with individuals, who were determined not to lose the sight. The arena itself disclosed a concourse of men, with their loins girt for active movements, bearing in their hands long spears; and along the side wall, opposite the Guicowar’s position, were small door ways, at each of which were stationed two or three soliders – the whole scene was picturesque. The two animals destined to afford amusement to the barbarous tastes of the court, were brought forward, well chained and tied, and a curtain was held before each till they were made free; when they were let at each other, they began most scientifically, each remaining on the defensive, their tusks being crossed – presently they became fiercer, and the fight was a succession of goring, biting, pushing, with an occasional lift from the ground of the weaker on the tusk of his antagonist; after a time, they were with difficulty separated, to the relief, it is to be hoped, of the English portion of the spectators, - oceans of water were poured over them, as well during the encounter as after; the vanquished one exhibited fearful wounds from gashes and bites.