Book excerpt: Why elephant is known as, "The Lady Boss"? The Indian elephant Elephas maximus, the matriarchal society is led by the wisest and eldest female of the family/herd. Here, the matriarch is the boss. Being hub of the family, she not only performs the usual maternal tasks, but also protects the family with extreme efficiency from potential enemies, apart from guiding the family to safety in times of crises. The matriarch keeps male suitors at a trunk's distance, only allowing them to join the herd when their presence is felt necessary to service the females in oestrus. Her long memory over fifty years experiences, among others, help in leading the family to introduce potential feeding grounds, waterholes, natural springs and salt licks within her domain ranging over 50 or more km2. The matriarchal family remains united and truly stable to enable to wage war against adversaries and enemies. With prowess and devotion to her kin, the 'gentle giant' remains the unquestionable authority. She acts like a lady and thinks like a boss! Hence the book, "ELEPHANT-THE LADY BOSS".