मृगपक्षी-शास्त्र (हंसदेव - १३वीं शती का अमर भारतीय वन्यजीव, पक्षी एवं प्राणि-विज्ञान)

[1st variety of RATS]
(UNDURU)
These kinds of rats are black in eolour and very short in size.
They often turn round their eyes. They always live in the dominated
houses. They are afraid of cats and they run quickly when they near
cat's noise. They have much mustaches. They bite and spoil every
kind of articles like cloths, dress, grains, provisions etc., They are
the turbulants of human sleep by going up and down the house pro-
ducing "Chuku-Chuku" noise. They have smooth bodies and small
eyes. They deserve punishneut. They are fond of eating much. They
do always very silly actions.
[2nd variety of RATS]
(AKHU)
These kinds of rats are whitish-black in colour. They wander
even in day times. They dig many holes in houses. They destroy
grains, cloths etc , They have not much fear. They have stout bodies
and long-tails. They often produce noises. They generally dwell in
crowds. They fear much if they are separated. They are very selfish
and ungrateful. They have poisonous teeth and if they bite any 'one
he will die on account of their poison.
[3rd variety of RATS]
(MUSHAKA)
These kinds of rats are a little bit stout, tall and black with
long tails. They are stout when they are 'young. These rats remain in
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living houses. They have long mustaches, rough hair on their bodies
and bad and ugly eyes and big heads. These rats too have venomous
teeth and if they bite, lives are lost. They are cruel and angry. They
will sleep well in day time. They are powerful at nights. They bite
with their teeth everything and often dig holes in the earth.
[4th variety of RATS]
(CHUCHUNDURU)
Those rats which spoil the natural smell of every article by its
long exhale, especially during night times, are called Chuchundurus.
Generally they are very inferior in their kinds. Their bodies are very
small and they wander in nights alone. The female rats too have the
same qualities and nature like that of the male ones. Some have their
natural death and some are killed by cats. Their utmost age is 1½
years. Owing to mean nature and qualities, they are called Tamasa
Adhama or inferior in 3rd class. The above said rats of 4 varieties
should be driven out of the houses as they are very bad for house
owners by those who desire to be prosperous.
[THE HARES]
(SASA)
The hares are termed as younger brothers of rats, but generally
they are of white colour. They have no bad qualities to hinder like
rats. Their play in different varieties is pleasurable to those who
see them. Their bodies are smooth and very small in size. They can
walk swiftly. They live in forests alone. They are much afraid of
cats, wild dogs, pigs and boars. They have small eyes and ears. They
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remain in numbers and playing in shades. They are easily trainable
and fond of sweet words. They eat flesh alone. Some are whitish-black
in colour and some with different coloured dots on their bodies. Some
are slow in speed. As these hares, there are many growing in abunda-
nce in the forests.
21st GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WOLVES AND DOGS.
There are 3 and 6 varieties of wolves and dogs respectively
livng in villages and towns. Some of the dogs are white, red, brown,
black, grey and some in different colours. Wolves are very cruel and
fond of flesh. They are tall and very impatient and mean minded.
Generally, both for dogs and wolves, the youth begins in their 2nd year.
They are very passionate in summer and winter seasons. They are
shameless in respect of cohabitation. Some-how or other, dogs coax
the female ones (bitches) and cohabit with them for a long period in
public places and under the shade of trees. The bitches become
pregnant soon after their cohabitation. The duration of their pregnancy
is 3 to 4 months. They give birth to 4 or 5 pups' at a time. The
pups live on their mothers' milk and play for some months. Though
they eat mean and silly things they are very intelligent. Dogs guard,
well houses, bungalows, palaces and other places. They are very grateful
to their masters. They are not allowed to enter in to and driven out
from places where ceremonialas and sacrifices take place. Their kinds
are mentioned below:—
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[1st variety of WOLVES]
(VRIKA)
These kinds of wolves are tall in size, black in colour and very
impatient at all times. They are fond of hunting always. They can
easily catch animals in forests. They are very dreadful by nature. Their
jaws are long and they are very swift like arrows. They have long-
nails, blood-red tongues and a little red eyes. Their cries are very
terrible. They possess sharp ears and short tails. They can find out
animals living in different corners of forests by scent. They are very
haughty and with less passion and sleep. They could not, easily be
captured and if captured, they could easily be tamed. They help after
taming and training.
[2nd variety of WOLVES]
(KOKA)
These kinds of wolves are a little smaller in size than the
Vrikas (mentioned above). They are red or blackish in colur. They
are very ferocious and have long tails. They have short legs and dread-
ful jaws. Their beads and rear portions are stout. They protrude their
tongues and run away. They do not like the scent of human beings.
They kill all kinds of animals and souls and eat their flesh. They cry
often. They have rough hair, and bad smell on their bodies. They
hunt. Their eyes are very glittering when they are ferocious.
⁠— 72 ⁠—

[3rd variety of WOLVES]
(EHAMRIGA OR BUEGLES)
These kinds of wolves are of different colours. Some are spo-
tted and some are striped. They are very tall in size. They run very
swiftly like an arrow. They are always ferocious, and never listen to
good words. They have long faces, very long ears, protruding tongues
and hanging testicles. They are lean and have very lean stomachs.
Bad smell always comes out of their bodies. They are very fond of
hunting. Female ones resemble male ones in all respects. They are
easily captuarable and trainable in their early ages. Their qualities and
character would become good if they are kept in their early ages.
Owing to their mean nature and bad deeds, they are called Tamasa
Adhama or inferior in 3rd class.
[1st variety of DOGS]
(SWANAH)
Dogs of these kinds are tall and red in colour. They live in
villages. They are calm and quiet-going. They are a little impatient
when they are hungry. They eat mean and useless things lying on
streets. They always wander and sleep in shady places. At times, they
quarrel with each other. They have much passion for cohabitation.
Their rear portions, and stomachs are very stout, and they have long
tails, small and sharp ears. They have curved nails. They are sub-
missive and grateful to people. They are very beautiful when they
are young. They fear to wander during nights. They are not cruel.
— 73 —

[2nd variety of DOGS]
(KUKKURA)
Dogs of these kinds are black in colour having long tails. They
are very impatient but not strong. Their bark is rather very awful
to hear. They obstruct the strangers going in paths. They always
quarrel with one another. Their sleep is short and their walk swift like
an arrow. They are fond of sweet words. They have a little passion,
huge heads and bad smell. They have protruding tongues in day times
and strong memory. They can do any kind of work entrusted to them.
[3rd variety of DOGS]
(SUNAKA)
They are very short in size with different colours and some
with uniform colours. They have very short legs and big heads. They
are very quick in running and very calm. They can act according to
the will of their masters. They are very strong and a little passionate.
They are very shrewd and can withstand hunger and thrist. They
bark very unpleasantly when they are impatient. They have curved
tails.
[4th variety of DOGS]
(MRIGADAMSAKA OR HOUNDS)
They are very strong and tall. Some are brown and some
black with very short tails. They are fond of catching legs of
goats, deer, cows, bulls and other animals and eating their flesh blood
etc. Their bark is very intolerable and unpleasant. Rough and thick
hair cover their bodies. They are not easily controllable
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and they are devoid of hearing sweet words. They are very cruel and
terrible to look at as they have long jaws.
[5th variety of DOGS]
(SARAMEYA)
These kinds of dogs are very calm and quiet by nature. They
are a little tall in size. They are of different colours and some with
spots also on their bodies. They are very grateful and faithful to their
masters. They are neither dull-natured nor impatient. They are fond
of hunting. They very swiftly run and are a little passionate. They
are fond of doing all kinds of work entrusted to them. They are very
strong and having long tails. They always live in villages. They play
in several kinds and are very beautiful when young. They run very
fast when instigated and have a little sleep during night times.
[6th variety of DOGS]
(GRAMYAMRIGA)
These kinds of dogs are short. Some are generally brown and
some with different colours. They have short ears, much impatience
and less speed. They are fond of fighting with one another. They
wander always. They are dull-natured. They are fond of fighting with
pigs and asses. They eat flesh, blood, bones and other useless things.
They have ugly bodies and very unpleasant bark especially during
nights. They are very harmful to minor animals.
Dogs of many kinds are found in villages and other places
possessing the same qualities and nature. They are of low breed and
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sinful; but very shrewd. They must be caught in their early ages and
trained for a guarding and hunting. Bitches resemble dogs in all
respects; but are a little slow in running and more calm. They are
very fair when young. Their youth is from 2 to 7 years. Their utmost
age is 10 years.
All animals from lions to dogs are very well described regarding
their character, nature, colour, quality age etc., etc., Such animals
should be caught in their early ages and kept in cages and protected
well by Rajahs, Nobles and others. Those who do not protect the
animals in the world, will never get fame, virtue and pleasure. Those
who protect cows, for a long time in their palaces, bungalows, houses,
(as the case may be) and give them in charity to Brahmins both
before and after death, get VIRTUE and MOKSHA. Though the animals
cannot talk as human beings, they are very useful to people. They
can do the work entrusted to them pretty, well.
Those which cannot be set right in training, must be left.
Generally their bad qualities may be set right after training and when
trained if they are useless they must be avoided. As human beings
possess the differences of intelligence, character, qualities, beauty and
goodness so also the quadrupeds have the same. A very few animals
have many of the qualities, nature etc., For those few animals
have now been described. If people want to learn more about their
characters, qualities, nature, value etc., in detail in addition to this
description, they can do so by their keen observations.
END OF FIRST PART CONTAINING
THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ANIMALS IN
THE ZOOLOGY OF HAMSADEVA OF MANDAKA VILLAGE.
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Mriga Pakshi Sastra
OR
Science of Animals and Birds.
[ZOOLOGY IN INDIA]
PART II.
Description of Birds.
22nd GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BIRDS
Like quadrupeds, such as elephants, horses, cows, bulls, buffaloes
and other Rajasa and Tamasa animals birds like swan, parrots, cuckoos,
peacocks, crows, wag-tails and other birds do help people by pleasure,
amusements etc. All birds live in nests. Some of the birds build their
nests to live both in summer and rainy seasons, with their beaks,
legs and wings by means of, fibres, soft cotton, and small pieces of
wood, leaves, and straw etc., on the branches of trees, some on the
trunks of the trees and some on towers and mountains and elevated
places. Though they could not speak like human beings, they are very
clever. They generally live in crowds and attack their enemy birds
collectively. They get their food, water, fruits, flesh, insects etc., with
their beaks and eat them with their comrades. They enjoy all kinds of

pleasure with their young ones, and comrades in cool places and
gardens. They come out of eggs according to their sins committed in
their past births. Though they come out of eggs, they are very clever
and do things more beautifully and completely than human beings.
The birds are called the best decorations of high buildings mansions
palaces, and houses etc,. All kinds of birds enjoy with female birds of
different species in different ways and give pregnancy to them in their
prime youth. After pregnancy, female birds lay eggs and sit on them
for some days to give warmth. They understand when young ones get
life, and pierce eggs with their beaks. They protect them (young ones)
by giving them food for some time. Till they get wings to fly, they
take food brought by their mothers and play with them. After they
get their wings they try to fly with their mothers in the sky for some
time till they get full strength. There are innumerable varieties of birds
living in forests. Generally they sleep at nights only. They create
animal passion to young human couples by their actions. They could
easily be caught by nets in their early periods and trained well. They
must be caught and tamed. Our ancestors say “Those who do not
tame and protect birds by giving food, are unfit to live on the surface
of the earth.” Amongst all, swan are most superior birds. Hence the
description of swan is first mentioned below:—
[1st variety of SWAN]
(HAMSA)
There are 7 kinds of swan. Swan of these kinds are called
Hamsa. They are very beautiful with white wings. Generally, they live
in lakes lotus ponds and big wells, and upon good fruits, lotus
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trunks, and leaves, and on lotus. They are very swift when they fly in
the sky and when they are on the ground, It is very beautiful to look
at. Their beaks and feet are red in colour. Their necks are very long.
They are ever happy. They have very soft feathers. They have very
much passion and they are always with their female ones. After rainy
season, they become very stout and puffed with haughtiness.
[2nd variety of SWAN]
(CHAKRANGA)
Swan of this kind are very short in size. Their bodies are white
save their faces, wings and rear portions and ends of tails, which are
red in colour. Their legs are very short and their necks are very long.
There are blood-red stripes in their eyes. They are coward by nature.
They are stout, with soft feathers. Their tones are pleasant to hear.
Their tails are long. Lotus smell will be blowing from their bodies.
They generally live in crowds, but if they are separated they feel very
much dejected. At times they live in lakes and lotus ponds and at
times in shady places. They are called Chakranga Swan.
[3rd variety of SWAN]
(MANASAVASI)
Swan of these kinds do generally live in the Manasa lake on the
Himalayas and never go out of it. They are very patient and calm.
Their bodies are white like pearls save their red beaks and bushy tails.
Generally they dive in water often coming out. They have much pas-
sion and less appetite. They are moderate in size. They have a little
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sleep at nights. They play in different pastures with their female ones.
Their eyes resemble white lotus. Those persons who see this variety
of swan have much increase of animal passion. Their bodies are round
like circle. Swan of this kind are called Manasavasi as they live in the
Manasa lake.
[4th variety of SWAN]
(RAJAHAMSA)
Swan of these varieties are very beautiful to look at. They are
purely white like full moon save their beaks and feet which are red in
colour. Their walk in their youths are very beautiful and amusing.
Their cry is very amusive and pleasant. Those who have a look at
them are freed from sins committed in their past births. Like Swan of
the 2nd variety, these swan also live at times in lotus ponds and at
times in shady places. They are a little tall. They fly very high in the
sky. They would cohabit with their female ones, playing and crying
very beautifully. They show innumerable modes of walk when they are
with female swan. If they appear in front of persons who go to war,
they (persons) are sure to be victorious. After rainy season, they are
much puffed up with haughtiness. They have always their eyes wide
open as they are cheerful. When they stand before the birds, the birds
also astonish to see them. If able persons train them up, they can
talk a few words to some extent as they are intelligent and clever.
— 80 —

[5th vareity of SWAN]
(MALLIKAKSHA)
These kinds of swan are generally a little blackish-white in
colour. If their entire bodies including their eyes are purely white,
they are called Mallikakshas and if they are purely white throughout
save their beaks and feet with red colour, they are called Dhartashtras.
All these swan are a little short. They have various coloured dots on
their bodies. They have long and curved tails, and less speed. They
are very clever and and very fond of living with human beings. They
are not easily captuarable by experts. They are very fast when in
dangers. They are fond of ladies, who touch and protect them.
[6th variety of SWAN]
(KADAMBA)
Swan of these kinds are entirely a little bluish-white. They are
moderate in size. They have broad and spread wings. They often cry
when they walk. They are fond of their comrades. They live in very
cool and calm places and in places where quiet-going animals live. They
are much passionate. They are very pleasant both in morning and
evening. They are a little bit coward. They eat their food along with
their female swan like Gandharvas. They are very willing to fulfil the
desires of their female ones. They have much shining on their bodies.
They are easily captuarable and trainable.
[7th variety of SWAN]
(KALAHAMSA)
Swan of these varieties are white in colour. Their wings are
— 81 —

a little bluish, their tails a litte black and their beaks red. They are
a little tall, stout and big with curved necks. Their bodies are round.
They are fond of swimming in water and living in trees at times. They
are kind and pleasing to all birds. Their feet are very white and their
feathers are very soft. Their tone is very plesant and stomachs are
very stout in their youth. Their feathers are long. They are a little
impatient and begin to cry often when they are seperated from their
female group. They are always very fond of remaining with the female
ones, as they are much passionate. They could easily be trained. Some
swan are of various colours, and some with spots of different colours.
The female swan too generally resemble their males in all respects but
are more beautiful and calm. Generally the female ones like to remain
under the shade of wings of male ones in summer. They always spend
their time with their male ones. They have crowns on their heads.
'Their eyes and walk are very beautiful. Their youth begins in their
2nd year and lasts till the 5th year when they become pregnant. They
could be caught in their early periods and kept in cages and well trained.
Their utmost age is 7 years. Owing to good nature and qualities they
are called Rajasa Uttama or superior in 2nd class.
23rd GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CHAKRAVAKA BIRDS.
(RUDDY-GEESE)
There are 3 kinds of chakravaka birds or ruddy-geese. Gene-
rally they are blackish. Some are white and some blue like swan.
Their nature and bodies resemble those of swan. They seperate
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themselves with their female birds during night times owing to
curse given to them. Again in the day break they come and join
with them. They are smaller than the swan. They would increase
passion of the human young couples much, especially in spring sea-
son. They live in lakes, lotus ponds, and on the lotus flowers. They
eat lotus trunks, flowers and other good tasteful fruits. Their youth
begins in their 1st year. Their passion is increased in the spring
season. Young ones come out of eggs after a month. Female birds
lay eggs after they become pregnant. The young ones get wings in
their 2nd month. All birds in general comes out of eggs after the
1st month and get wings in the second month.
[1st variety of RUDDY-GEESE]
(KOKA)
Ruddy-geese or chakravaka birds of these varieties are blackish
red in colour, very small in size, having round bodies. The ends of
their wings are black. They would often cry, especially at nights.
Their speed is less than that of swan. They remain always with their
female birds from day-break to Sun-set. They would, often, dive in
water in summer season and play. They fly in the sky in crowds.
They are always fond of remaining on the flowers. Some times they
eat tree flowers, fruits etc., in the absence of pond flowers. Their
tone is very melodious when they are young.
2nd variety of RUDDY-GEESE]
(CHAKRA)
Their bodies are round like wheels. They are black in colour
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with small beaks. Their necks and ends of wings are red in colour.
They increase passion of young couple by exhibiting their skill in
various dances. They are fond of living with their female birds. Their
eyes and walk are very beautiful. They would play in water often
with their couples.
[3rd variety of RUDDY GEESE]
(RATHANGA)
These kinds of ruddy geese are white in colour. Their wings are
long to a little extent. Their feet are red. There are various coloured
dots on their breasts. Their tone would be cheerful. They are much
afraid of people. They fly in the sky in couples. They have very
smooth bodies. They would be bathing both in the morning and
evening. They have much puffed haughtiness in their youth. Their
eyes are opened broad owing to cheerfulness. They have a little sleep.
Peoples' passion is increased in their youth when they see these birds.
The emale birds too resemble the male in all respects. They feel much
dejected by the separation of their husbauds. Their youth extends
from 2 to 5 years. Their utmost age is 6 years. These birds like swan
are caught and kept in cages by Kings, Ministers, Nobles and other
persons. These birds are also classified under Rajasa Uttama or
superior in 2nd class like Swan.
— 84 —

24th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SARASA, BALAKA,
AND OTHER BIRDS.
There are 2 varieties in each class of these birds. They all live
in water and in cool places by the side of water. They are grnerally
called as younger brothers of ruddy-geese. Some or white, blue, and
black and some of various colours. Generally all birds have various
coloured dots on their bodies. Their play is very cheerful and creates
amusements to lookers. They are calm and quiet-going ones. They
have much passion in Spring and Summer seasons. The youth for all
the above said varieties of birds begins in their 1½ years, All the female
birds protect their young ones very carefully. The young ones get
wings in their 2nd month and developed their growth gradually like
other birds. Their varieties are meationed below:—
[1st variety of SARASA BIRDS]
(INDIAN CRANE PUSHKARA)
Sarasa birds of these varieties are called Pushkara. They are
blue in colour but their necks, wings and breasts are whitish. Their
bodies are like that of the ruddy-geese, but a little tall in size. They
have long beaks and they always wave their wings. They fly very
high in the sky very swiftly in groups. They often enjoy with their
couples whenever they are passionate, especially at nights. They at
times live in lakes and ponds even. They cry very pleasantly. After
the first quarter of the night, they sleep. They are never be dull and
lazy in the mornings. They take rest in the mid-day owing to weariness.
—85 —

[2nd variety of SARASA BIRDS]
(SARASA)
These kinds of birds are called Sarasa birds. These are black
in colour, and they have white and red dots together or red or white
dots on their bodies separately. Such dots are visible only in breasts
and wings. They have small beaks and legs. They are quiet-going
ones. They are fond of swimming in water often, especially in mid-
days. Their nails are of golden colour. They generally live on night
lotus or white and red lotus flowers. They enjoy with their couples in
Spring season. They have very soft bodies. Their beauty is cheerful
and amusing.
[1st variety of BALAKA BIRDS]
(BALAKA)
These kinds of birds are called Balaka. They are very tall,
having long legs, red beaks, and white bodies. Their stomachs and
rear portions are stout. Their wings are broad and big. They are a
little impatient when they are hungry. They eat small fish, fruits,
lotus trunks and roots and others. They often dive in water and play.
They generally enjoy during nights. They fly in the sky with their
couples. They perch on the cool trees at the time of wearisome. They
are much afraid of the roar of lions and tigers and they run away to
distant places. They are fond of swimming even in the floods and
they have smooth feathers. They have a little passion.
— 86 —

[2nd variety of BALAKA BIRDS]
(SARANGA)
These kinds of birds are called Saranga birds. Some are blue
and some black. They have white dots on their bodies. They are
short in size, but have long legs and beaks. They will, collectively, fly
in the sky. They live by the side of water and in the cool and shady
places. They will come quick from high in the sky and cath fish in
water (i.e) they will have the the bird's eye view. Their beaks are a
little yellowish. They have broad eyes. They enjoy at nights only.
[1st variety of CHAKORA BIRDS]
(CHAKORA)
These varieties of birds are called Chakora birds. They are
black or blue in colour. There are different coloured spots on their
bodies. They are stout in size. They have long wings, stout stomachs,
small beaks and legs. They will be looking on at the beautiful
sceneries in all directions in the day times and in nights they eat the
moon light alone and thus improve. They will spend there whole
time in the day by remaining under the shade of trees and by sleeping
for some time. They would be always with their couples. They are
afraid of thunder. They generally, never sleep in nights.
[2nd variety of CHAKORA BIRDS]
(BRIHATCHAKORA)
These BrihatChakora birds are a little tall in size. Some are black
— 87 —

and some blue in colour. Their wings, stomachs, and necks are a
little whitish. They eat moon light alone and if there is no Moon-light
for eating, they will be much reduced out of hunger. They wander in
nights and sleep in one place in the day time. They would always be
with their sexes. Both kinds of Chakora birds build their nests' in the
huge and tall trees either by the side of mountains or the seas. They
can withstand hunger and thirst. They are naturally beautiful and
increase passion to young human couples. They drink the sweet and
tasteful water in summer. They would generally, be hapv in nights.
They never eat anything except the Moon-light and they are very
calm and quiet-going.
[1st variety of SARARI BIRDS]
(SARARI)
These varieties of birds are called Sarari. They are generally red
in colour. There would be some other colour on their wings, legs, long
beaks, and end of the wings. They have crowns on their heads and
beautiful eyes. Their wings are small and beautiful. They will be on
the trees, in their nests, by the side of water. They sit always separately
and search of their prey on the bunds of the lake, crying beautifully.
They eat small fish, flesh and fruits. They wander in the day time
and sleep in nights. They would, always, be in couple wherever they
go. They will join together when quarrel arises with the other birds
but, they are not, generally, impatient.
[2nd variety of SARARI BIRDS]
(ATI)
These kinds of birds are called Ati birds. They are very short
— 88 —