Men began capturing and taming elephants in India 5000 years ago for war, parades, and worship. The young Makbul is still in daily contact with the wild and domesticated elephants that live in the forest around his native village in southern India. Despite his mother's objections, Makbul follows in his father and grandfather's footsteps, venturing deep into the forest to learn the age-old profession of the mahout, or elephant handler employed by the government. When an elephant calf named Vikrama is born, the animal is placed in Makbul's care.