सामग्री पर जाएँ
सर्वकोश
संग्रह पर लौटें

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

Mriga-Pakshi-Shastra of Hamsadeva (Zoology & Ethology)

जैन आचार्य हंसदेव (अनुवादक: सी. सुन्दरराजू) द्वारा

DevanagariHindipublished175 पृष्ठ

down from the sky by circling. They cannot be prevented by any other
bird when they fly in the sky.
[3rd variety of GARUDA BIRDS]
(PANNAGARI)
These kinds of Garuda birds are called Pannagari as they are
the enemies of serpents. They are tall, white and spotted in different
colours. They have huge wings and big and sharp beaks. They are
very grand in appearance. No other bird could see and attack them
when they are very impatient. They will fly very high and very far in
the sky. They would sleep in day time. Their feathers are a little-bit
long. Their bodies are stout and shining. They cannot be attacked by
any one, anywhere. There are many kinds of Garuda birds of this
species in the forests. The female birds, too, do resemble the male
ones in all respects. They are more beautiful and less impatient. Their
voice is very pleasant. The youth for both the sexes is from 2 to 7
years. Their utmost age is 10 years. Owing to good creed and nature,
they are called Rajasa Uttama or Superior in 2nd class.
[1st variety of HAWKS]
(SYENA)
There are 2 varieties of Syena birds. The first variety of bird
is called Syena or the hawk and the second is called Sasada or
falcon. The Syena birds are almost like G a r u d a birds, but a
little taller and more impatient. Their bodies are red with white feet.
Their beaks are very sharp. Their wings are very broad. Their cry
— 92 —

is awfully, unpleasant. They are fond of eating much flesh. They
are dreadful in appearance to other birds. They would fly swiftly
high in the sky. They are available everywhere. Their feathers are
rough and feet very strong. They are not easily capturable. They too
have the "birds' eye view". They do not like the scent of human be
ings. They are very cruel in day time, when they will kill all the
other birds.
[2nd variety of SYENA BIRDS]
(SASADA-FALCON)
These kinds of birds are called Sasada. They are tall and brown
with white wings. Their feet and beaks are red. They are cruel-minded
and their cry, too, is very unpleasant. They venture to do bad things
and every-thing. They have rough feathers and bad smell on their
bodies. They are dreadful to other birds. They are devoid of sweet
words. They eat, pigeons, doves, wildrates etc. Some of the falcons
have blood-red necks ;and some various coloured necks. They are
fond of eating much flesh. They have the same youth, age etc, of the
hawks. Owing to creed, nature and bad qualities, they are called
Rajasa Madhyama or Middle in 2nd class.
26th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF EAGLES.
There are 4 kinds of eagles. They are the brother-species of
hawks and Garuda birds. They are of different colours. They are
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dull-natured, stout, and strong winged. They eat fruits, flesh and
food etc, They are fond of hunting. They have increased passion in
rainy season. Their youth begins in the 2nd year. Their varieties are
described below: —
[1st variety of EAGLES]
(GRADHRA)
These kinds of eagles are blackish-red, stout bodied, and big
winged. They are strong beaked, and rough feathered. They are very
strong and swift in flying. They would often wave their wings when
flynig. They are a little calm and quiet-going. They are fond of living
with people and hearing good and sweet words. They would fly in diff-
erent pastures. They are available in every corner of the forests They
will be dreadful and destroy the enemy birds when they are impatient.
They never wander in nights. They can tolerate hunger and thirst.
They are easily capturable and trainable. They are keen and intellegent.
They have the "birds, eye view". They eat flesh, fruits and food. They
are fond of hunting.
:[2nd variety of EAGLES]
(DAKSHAYYA)
These kinds of eagles are otherwise called Dakshayya. Their
bodies are short and bulky. They have huge and broad wings with white
colour on their ends (wings). Their bodies are brown in colour. They
have small beaks, stout stomachs and long legs. They will wander
collectively. They are shrewd and clever; but they never desire to
hear the sweet words and do not like the scent of human beings.
They never forget to revenge against the enemy birds. They will fly
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high and to a long distance in the sky. At times they stoop to cruel
actions. Enemy birds cannot attack these birds when they are young.
[3rd variety of EAGLES]
(ATAYI)
Bodies of these kinds of eagles are small. They are of different
colours. Their legs and wings are long and beaks very small. They
have rough feathers. Their cry is, awfully ' cruel. They kill all
the insects and fish which come to the shore. They, at times, eat
flesh. They have accurate birds' eye view. They fly very high in the
sky, collectively. They would be puffed up with haughtiness when they
are young. They shirk from and fear for hunting. At times they are
fond of fighting with each other. They become very stout in rainy
season. They are easily trainable and they are fond of hearing sweet
words.
[4th variety of EAGLES] .
(CHILLA)
These varieties of eagles have small bodies. They have beautiful
eyes and a little big heads with various dots. There are beautiful colo-
urs on their wings. Their tone is very pleasant and they have a strong
memory. They are fond of living with people and hearing sweet
words. They eat insects and fish etc, which come to the surface of
water and at times fruits and flesh, crying often. They are afraid of
hunting. They wander collectively both in the sky and on earth. They
fight with other birds furiously when they are impatient. They have
smooth bodies and are clever. There are many varieties of eagles
-- 95 --

available in forests possessing the same nature and qualities. The
female eagles, too, resemble, the male ones, in all respects. The youth
for all the eagles is, generally, from 2 to 5 years. Their utmost age is 8
years. Owing to creed, nature and deed they are called Tamasa Madh-
yama or Middle in 3rd class.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CRANE.
There are 4 kinds of Cranes. They are greyish, white, reddish
and of different colours. They are dull-natured and their cry is unplesant.
They are very strong when impatient. They are strong and have rough
feathers. They can fly to some distance in the sky. They live with
their comrades; but, at times, they do quarrell with each other. They
build their nests on the tops of trees and live in them Some like to
remain with people and some do not like to be so and go away. They
have much passion in rainy season. They are carnivorous. The youth
for them is from 1½ to 3 years. Their kinds are described below:—
[1st variety of CRANES]
(CROWNCHA)
These kinds of cranes have red bodies with white wings.
They have very long legs, necks and beaks. They are stout bodied
birds. Their apperance is not pleasing and their cry is not long at a
stritch. They have failling paces of walk. Their feathers are very
rough. They fly with their comrades in the sky. They are strong
and attack the enemy birds when impatient. They are fond of eating
flesh and sleeping during day-times. They will at times dive in water
and play.
— 96 —

[2nd variety of CRANES]
(BAKA)
These kinds of cranes are white throughout. They have broad
wings, very long beaks and feet and little smooth bodies. Some are
stout and some lean and small. Those, which are small and lean are
not pleasant in appearance. They would, always be secluded wherever
they go. To attack enemy-birds they call for their comrades. They
are fond of eating flesh and fish. They would, at times, play in water.
Though they are dull in nature, they would yield to people and give
pleasure to them.
[1st variety of KAHWA BIRDS]
(KAHWA- GEESE)
Those which are very inferior to crane class are called geese.
They are white in colour. They would walk slowly and their cry is
very unpleasant. They are fond of playing in mire. They are dull in
nature and bad smell would be coming out from them. Their bodies
are stout. They have very long necks and beaks. They can swim in
water. They cannot fly in the sky. They are very ugly in appearance.
They eat insects, frogs and fish. They are unfit for training. They
are not strong and they are mean-minded. They decrease peoples'
welfare.
[2nd variety of KAHWA BIRDS]
(KUNCHA)
These kinds of geese are very short in size. They are of
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various colours. They walk slowly and their cry is awfully unplesant.
They have very long necks and beaks. They eat frogs, fish, grains and
insects etc. They are fond of water. As they are dull in nature, they
do mean and silly things. There are many geese of various colours.
Their female ducks too resemble them in all respects. Their bodies are
soft possessing calm mind. Their utmost age is 4 years. Owing to creed,
nature and deed they are called Tamasa-Adhama or inferior in 3rd
class.
27th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CROWS.
There are 12 varieties of crows. They are, generally, black. They
would generally live in villages. Their cry shows the forth coming of
either good or bad of the owners of houses on which they sit. They
are useful and fit for the sacrified food. They are, generally, said to
be the decorations of trees. They eat fruits, food, insects, fish and
flesh etc., especially margosa seeds. They are fair and their cry is long
and loud. They can play by jumping. They invariably cry both in the
mornings and evenings. They can see by one eye alone. They are
dull in nature. They would often play in water in summer season.
They are grateful to their masters. Their youth begins in 1½ years.
Their varieties are described below:—
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[1st variety of CROWS]
(KAKA)
These kinds of crows are called Kaka owing to their cry as Ka-
ka. They are jet black. They have big rough feathers, and long beaks.
They often go by flying. Their cry is a little harsh. They would ever-
be with their groups. They are coward and lazy. They are long-
sighted. whey would ever be eating. Hence they are gluttons. They
become tired in the hot Sun. Bad smell would be coming out of
their bodies. whey are troublesome to all kinds of birds
[2nd variety of CROWS]
(KARATA)
This variety of crow is jet black and long winged. They would
always be producing unbearable cries. They are very strong and have
small beaks. They will fly swiftly very high in the sky. They can
cross any big floods, lakes, and small seas. They are available every
where. They revenge against the enemy birds. They take a little food.
[3rd variety of CROWS]
(BALIPUSHTA)
This variety of crow is blue in colour and have smooth bodies.
They are fair to look at. They have small tails, beaks, and stomachs.
They take little food. They are very calm-minded. They are fond of
remaining with people. They are fond of eating the curd-food and
sweet food, etc. Their cry and walk are very pleasant. They would
— 99 —

listen to sweet words. They never fear for people, and never do mean
things. They would sleep during day times. They would always be
single. They are good to all birds. Sacrificial food should be given to
these crows. They have some other good qualities and nature.
[4th variety of CROWS]
(SAKRITPRAJA)
This variety of crow is called Sakritpraja; because they lay eggs
only once in their life time. The whole of their bodies are jet black;
but, their necks whitish in colour. They are a little tall in size having
broad wings and a little long legs. They have stout heads and stoma-
chs. They can swiftly fly very high in the sky. They would collectively,
attack their enemy-birds. At times, they would quarrel with each other.
They eat flesh, fruits, food and grains etc. At times, they would
dwell in forests also. They are mighty and powerful. They would play
in different varieties by jumping. They cannot be controlled when
they are impatient. Those who do not like the people and go away are
considered to be very inferior and those who like to be by the side of
the people, are considered to be superior.
[5th variety of CROWS]
(DHWAKSHA)
These kinds of crows are deep blue in colour. They have
long beaks and legs. They are capable of flying in different pastures
waving their wings often. They can fly very high in the sky. They
--100--

would attack the enemy birds with dreadful cries. They are always
calm in temper and take a little food.
[6th variety of CROWS]
(ATMAGHOSHA)
This vairety of crow is neither too black nor too blue, but a
little tall. They would imitate singing in various ways. They would
always be alone. They build their nests always on the trees that are
by the side of water. They eat small fish sitting on the shores of the
water. They are calm in temper and much afraid of hunting. They
have no eremity at all. They would walk in different postures. They
would 'go collectively to any place. They live both in forests and
houses.
[7th variety of CROWS]
(PARABHRIT)
This variety of crow protects the eggs of cuckoos without their
own knowledge. Hence they are called parabhrit. They are beautiful
and blue in colour throughout their bodies having some whitish colour
on the ends of their wings. They have small beaks and very charming
cries. They are experts in building nests. They live in trees alone
eating the insects. They are afraid of people and rainy season. They
are capable of flying in various postures. They have pleasure during
mornings and evenings. They bathe surely in water during day time.
They wander only in pleasure gardens and cool places. They have
some good qualities and are very easily trainable.
— 101 —

[8th variety of CROWS]
(VAYASA)
These kinds of crows have very dark-bodies and rough feathers.
They eat flesh of corpse. They are not fair to look at. Their beaks
are very long, sharp and strong. They perch for some time on the
backs of goats, bulls cows, buffaloes, and other quadrupeds. Their
appearance would be rather dreadful to smaller birds. Their cries are
unpleasant. They would, slowly, fly in the sky. They fear to go to
other forests. They are always secluded. They do not like amongst
themselves. They are mean -minded and do mean things. They have
bad smell. They would never sleep in moon-lights. They fear for
thunder.
[9th variety of CROWS]
(CHIRAJIVIN)
This variety of crow has long life. Hence it is called Chira-
jivin. They are jet black-bodied; but, their necks, breasts and wings
are a little whitish. They are a little tall in size. They have failing
paces in their walk. They do not fly high in the sky. They fear to cross
the floods of the rivers. They are fond of eating food always. They
are ever angry. Their cry would be very harsh. They eat very mean
things. They would always have side-sight. They would deceive people
and other birds. As they are fickle-minded, they have no stability.
[10th variety of CROWS]
(MAUKALI)
This variety of crow is very small in size and blackish' white.

There will be some other colour or dots on the ends of their tails
and wings. They have small beaks. They are fond of eating powdered
rice and food etc. They often swim and play in water. They are fond
of living with people. They sing at times pleasantly. They follow
the female crows often wherever they go, owing to extreme passion
They join their comrades at the time of fear and danger. They are
grateful to masters and fond of hearing sweet words. They are very
smooth bodied and easily trainable.
[11th variety of CROWS]
(DRONAKAKA-RAVEN)
This variety of crow is long bodied and jet black in colour.
They are called Dronakaka. They have very long beaks, legs and broad
wings and very rough feathers. They have small white dots on their
bodies. They have sharp nails. They live always in forests. They are
not easily obtainable. They do not like the scent of human beings.
They are fond of eating flesh and their cry is very unplesant. They
attack other birds unnecessarily. At times, they quarrel themselves.
They do not take much food. They have cruel-mind. They have no
fear when they are in groups.
[12th variety of CROWS]
(KAKOLA)
This variety of crow lives in mountains and at the foot of
the mountains. Their cry is very harsh. They are jet black. They
kill all the birds in the nests in the vicinity of their own nests. Their rear
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portionis long. Their necks are long and feathers are very rough. They
are impatient when hungry. They are not easily obtainable. They would
fly very swift in the skv. They would injure quadrupeds at times.
They have enemity amongst themselves. They would always be
wandering round and round. They are born in forests and live in
forests alone. There are many varieties of crows born in forests pos-
sessing the same nature, qualities and colour. They must be caught in
their early ages and trained. They are young until the 4th year. Their
utmost age is 5 years. Owing to creed and nature they are said to
be Tamasa adhama or inferior in 3rd class.
28th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF OWLS.
There are 3 kinds of owls. They live in jungles, forests,
gardens and towers. They have broad and big eyes. Their bodies are
stout. They have big heads. They would, always be crying with Kala-
Kala noises. Owing to their Kala-Kala noises the house owners by
their side attain good. Their passion would be increased in winter
season. Their varieties are described below:—
[1st variety of OWLS]
(ULOOKA)
This kind of owl is blackish-red in colour. There are different
colours on their feathers. They are yellowish in colour on the corners
-- 104 -

of their eyes. They have very big and broad eyes. They are a little
tall and have small wings. They are very smooth having stout bodies.
They live always under the shade of the bushy tall trees. They are calm
and quiet-going by nature. They search for prey in crowds. They eat
flesh, insects and grains etc. They feel tired in the hot Sun. They
would never come out of their nests in rainy and winter seasons. They
are devoid of quarrels. They would dive in water and play at times.
[2nd variety of OWLS]
(VAYASADWIT)
This kind of owl often quarrels with crows. Hence they are
called Vayasadwit. They are spotted in different colours. They have
long and sharp beaks and long necks. They are very cruel-minded
birds. They create fear to all birds in the forests. They are strong
and powerful. They do not move so quick as other birds do. They
quarrel amongst themselves at times. They cry very unpleasantly
when they are angry. They are very fond of flesh. They often wave
their wings. They are very proud when they are young.
[3rd variety of OWLS]
(PECHAKA)
These kinds of owls are small and have stout bodies. They are
of muddy colour. They have white colour on the ends of their wings.
They have yellowish eyes, and are a little less in speed. They are calm
and good by nature. They foretell always the outcome of good or
bad by their cry. They live in the shade of bushy trees. They are good
to all birds. Some are brown in colour. They have big spots of
— 105 —

different colours. Those people, who live where these owls are, get
goodness, prosperity and wealth.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF KAUSIKA BIRDS.
(Another kind of OWLS)
There are 4 kinds of Kausika birds. They are black, blackish-
red, or brown in colour. Their cry shows the outcome of bad results.
They are very dull by nature and are cruel-minded birds. They
always do mean things. They cannot see, generally, in day times and
they can see well at nights. They produce often “Ghoo-Ghoo”noises.
and thus create fear to people and other birds. They are very sinful
birds. They must not be tamed in houses. Their passion is increased
in winter season. Their varieties are described below:—
[1st variety of KAUSIKA BIRDS]
(KĀUSIKA)
These kinds of Kausika birds are a little tall and brown in co-
lour. They are very swift in flying and have a little broad-eyes. They
live, always, in dark places in nights. They would, always, be single.
They would always create unpleasantness to all birds and people.
They prey upon corpses. They would kill the quiet going and good
birds. They are swift and powerful at nights. They dislike Moon-
Lights.
[2nd variety of KAUSIKA BIRDS]
(CHOOKA)
These varieties of Kausika birds are called Ghooka owing to
their “Ghoo-Ghoo” cry at nights. They are brown in colour and have
—106 —

black-wings. They have short-bodies and long beaks. Their feathers
are very rough. They are very swift and pounce upon any other
birds, suddenly, at nights. They would search for their prey, flying in
circles at nights. They are very impatient and are not, easily, captu-
rable. They are dull and foolish-natured birds, producing bad smell.
They are very ungrateful.
[3rd variety of KAUSIKA BIRDS]
(DIVA-BHETA)
These kinds of Kausika birds are much afraid of day time.
Hence they are called Diva-Bheta and they are sinful birds. They
are grey in colour, very tall having stout-bodies and broad-wings.
They soar high, in the sky. They would injure the quiet-going birds.
They eat flesh of bad odour. They catch hold of the hair and attack-
all the birds and people at nights. They are very deceitful. As mon-
keys, these also do spoil all the birds and eggs during night times.
They sleep even in day times for a little while. They are of low breed
and less passionate.
[4th variety of KAUSIKA BIRDS]
(NISATANA)
This kind of Kausika bird has small body, short-tail, short-
leg, very long beak and a very sharp-nail. They are very stout. They
cry very often "Ghoo-Ghoo". They are very fond of eating flesh.
There is much bad smell in them. They are very swift and strong to
kill all the birds at nights by searching them from tree to tree. They
— 107 —

are much afraid of rainy season. They are not to be easily captured.
There are many varieties of Kausika birds in forests having the
same nature, and qualities. etc. They are unfit for training. They
would be young till their 4th year. Their utmost age is 5 years.
Owing to their bad nature, low breed, and bad qualities, they are
called Tamasa Madhyama or Midlle in 3rd. class.
29th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PARROTS.
The parrots are of 3 varieties. They are green-coloured birds
having long tailes, curved beaks and smooth and soft feathers. They
are very quiet-going and calm-natured, birds. They have beautiful
eyes and are very shrewd and clever. They like to live in houses.
They eat flesh, milk curd, food. fruits and grains etc. They speak
beautifully if taught. They are ever clean. The are very swift in
flying. They are much afraid of cats mew. They are coward by nature.
They can not endure cool winds, hot Sun and rain etc. Their move-
ments increase possion of the young human couples. They possess
many good qualities. They have much passion in spring and summer.
Their youth begins in 1½ years. They would cohabit with their female
ones giving food to each other. Their varieties are described below:--
[1st variety of PARROTS]
(SUKA)
They are beautiful having green coloured bodies, long tails,
-- 108 --

very fair wings, curved beaks, and they are moderate in size. They
would say Chandra, Surya, Naga, Vayu etc, if they are well taught.
They would live in thick and deep shade of trees. They are coward
and calm by nature. They are very grateful to their masters who
give them curd, milk, and food. They would, generally, fly, collec-
tively in the sky. They have very clean bodies and are easily traina-
ble. They like to dwell in residing houses or bungalows.
[2nd variety of PARROTS]
(KEERA)
These kinds of parrots are of the above-said colour and a
little tall. They have broad and very smooth wings, short tails and
very beautiful eyes. They are fond of playing with women. They are
very keen and shrewd. They have strong memory, smooth bodies and
take a little food. Their speech would give much pleasure to people.
They would always be with their female birds. They would fly for
pleasure walk both in mornings and evenings. Some times, they dive
in water and play, in various ways. They have many other good
qualities. 'They are superior in breed.
[3rd variety of PARROTS]
(SARIKA)
These kinds of parrots are of five colours yellow, blue, red, green,
and white. They are a little tall in size. They are very cheerful to
look at. They possess, naturally, very many good qualities. They eat
clean food, flesh and grains etc. They would always fly with their
female birds. They are easily capturable and trainable. They would
also speak distinctly. They have very smooth bodies and are very
— 109 —

grateful to their masters. They are wearied a little in day times. There
would be coming good odour out of them. They would fly high in
the sky in different postures. They have no anger and haughtiness.
They are very superior in breed.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CUCKOOS.
There are 4 kinds of Cuckoos. They are blackish red, blackish
white or blue in colour. They often cry " cuckoo-cuckoo." Hence
they are called Cuckoos. They have small beaks, and cry very beauti-
fully. Their pleasant cry increases passion of the young (human)
couples, especially in spring season, and they are puffed with haugh-
tiness at that time. They have no pride, dull-ness and impatience.
They always live in shade of trees. They are much afraid of cold
winds, hot Sun, and rain &c. They eat tender leaves, buds, fruits and
grains etc. They have good smell in their bodies. Their eggs are being
hatched by crows. They are ever with their couples in gardens and
topes. Their passion would increased in spring and summer. They
have their prime youth in the 1st year. They are capable of giving
pregnancy to the female cuckoos. Their varieties are mentioned
below:—
[1st variety of CUCKOOS]
(VANAPRIYA)
As these varieties of cuckoos live in thick and cool gardens,
they are called Vanapriya. They are dark blue in colour having long
tails. Their cry is very cheerful. They take a very little food. They
would perch from one tree to another tree to enjoy good flavour.
They eat tender leaves, buds, and fruits etc., with their female birds.
— 110 —

They are shrewd, clever and very grateful. They will also eat curd,
milk-food etc. They would increase passion to young human couples.
They are easily trainable. They have no irritation, and haughtiness.
They would speak some human words, as Natha, Hamsa, Sun, Cow
etc. when they are trained to speak. They have some other good
qualities too.
[2nd variety of CUCKOOS]
(PARABHRIT)
As these kinds of cuckoos are bred by crows, they are called
Parabhrit. They are reddish-black in colour, and a little tall posses-
sing broad-wings. They often cry in spring and summer season. They
are much passionate. They live in nests on trees with their female
birds. They would be circling in day times. If there be any separation
of the human couples, then the cry of these birds would be very
harsh and unpleasant to the separated souls. Their cry is depressed in
rainy and winter seasons. Their bodies are faded in summer and they
feel much thirsty. Their bodily appearance would be, rather, very
grand in Spring.
[3rd variety of CUCKOOS]
(KOKILA)
This kind of cuckoo is whitish-black in colour and moderate
in size. They have beautiful wings, sweet cry, very long tails, a little
stout heads and stout stomachs. They would always turning their
eyelids. They are very happy in Spring. They are clever and fond of
living with human beings. They have no anger and haughtiness. They
are good to all birds and are always very calm-natured birds.
—111—