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

[9th variety of ELEPHANTS]
(SANKEERNA GAJA)
Generally, those which have the same qualities and nature of
Bhadra, Manda and Mriga elephants (mentioned above) are called
Sankeerna elephants (mixed breed). These kinds of elephants grow
in abundance. These create prosperity to their masters. They are
very easily capturable. They will work very satisfactorily. Their
strength and enthusiasm are increased while they are at work. They
are very pleasant to look at. Though some are bad in their varieties
they are good after trained. They turn out all kinds of work, provided
they are fed well.
[10th variety of ELEPHANTS]
(MATANGAJA)
These kinds of elephants have huge and tall bodies. They are
very swift. Some are blue and some black in colour. Those which
are blue have white dots on their bodies and these which are black
have red dots. They always move their trunks. They do not know
how to walk slowly. They break down the trees and creepers
They are intelligent and very patient (calm) at work. They are very
powerful. They desire to move always with female elephants in
forests. They are fond of listening to sweet words. They are very
greatful to their masters. While they are young they are very proud
and they run like an arrow. They never fear for cold, rain and heavy
winds. They are always fond of playing in water. If any body sits on
it while walking, his body does not shake.
-21-

[11th variety of ELEPHANTS]
(PADMI)
These varieties of elephants desire always to play in lotus tanks.
They are fond of good sceneries, music, amusements, dressing silk
carpets and bells over them. They always desire to stand under the
shade of trees. They possess very beautiful bodies and peaceful minds.
Lotus like smell would be coming out of them. They increase their
master's prosperity. They work very satisfactorily and beautifully
when slightly punished and instructed. They are very shrewd and
cleaver in working according to the desire of their masters. They can
withstand hunger and thirst. They are fit for the kings, princes, and
ministers to ascend on them. At times, they are useful for hunting
purposes also.
[12th variety of ELEPHANTS
(IBHA)
These kinds of elephants are black in colour and moderate in
size. They are always a little bad in temper and have course bodies
and their cries are like thunder. They are not easily trainable. They
run fast with pride. They withstand rain, heavy winds, hot sun, and
fatigue and work well. They are very strong and ruttish in their
prime youth. They are pioneers of the war in destroying enemies and
thus get fame to their masters. They will always run terribly fast at
the slightest inspiration. They are good watch guards at the palace
gates, tents, and other places if they are kept. Their eyes are blood-
red when hunting.
— 22—

[13th variety of ELEPHANTS]
(STAMBERAMA)
These kinds of elephants are very stout and blue in colour, pos-
sessing very smooth bodies. Though they take a little food, they are
very powerful and strong. They are very shrewd and intelligent.
They never fail in any work and they are easily trainable. They can
withstand any kind of hard work and difficulties. Their nature would
be changed according to their age. They are always fond of listening
to sweet words, and they are very grateful to their masters. They
are not at all bad tempered. (They never lose temper). They are
fat when they are young. They have lions' eyes. Their appearance is
clean and smell good. They never injure other souls. They love others
and pleasing to all. There are many varieties of elephants borne in
forests as mentioned above. Generally, female elephants are of the
same qualities, nature and work. They have no tusks and they are
always calm and peaceful. They always feel shy and they are more
powerful and intelligent but, a little less in size. They are more beau-
tfull and smooth. They do not take much food. Their work is very
delightf ul.. They do give birth to 3 or 4 issues in their life time and
they have much affection towards their young ones like cows. They
love and please to all souls. Both sexes of elephants have their youth
till 40 years. After that time, they are not be so strong and fair as they
were in youth and are unfit for hard work. They caught by Keddah
in their 3rd year. They are well fed and given good training. They
are said to be invaluable gems. Their utmost age is 100 years. Owing
to their breed and work they are termed to be RAJASA UTTAMA or
superior in 2nd class.
—23—

7th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HORSES.
There are seven varieties of horses. They are very keen. They
are in white, black, red or mixed colours. They have long faces and
long tails, and short and sharp ears. They have strong feet and single
hoofs. They are much powerful and very beautiful. They are fit for
riding and drawing vehicles. Those which have good curls (marks)
on their bodies would increase prosperity, wealth and health of their
masters. They are the main decorations of houses and places. They
are never idle and are fond of bunting. They have full passion in the
spring season, and their youth begins in their 4th or 5th year. They
are very strong, beautiful and powerful in their 6th year and they
try to join mares. They enjoy with mares in solitary places under
trees, bushes and in plains. After the first intercourse, mares become
pregnant. Then, they have foam in their mouths. The mares are
reduced and take a little food owing to wearisome. Their delivery
time is from 10 to 12 month. The young ones suck their mother's
milk till the end of 1st year running and playing with their mothers.
They try to eat grass and other tender herbs in their 2nd year and to
run fast. They are fit for riding and cart driving from their 4th year.
They must be trained in their early ages. Their varieties are
mentioned below:—
[1st variety of HORSES]
(TURANGA)
These varieties of horses are always white in colour. They
have long necks and faces. Their testicles and penis are short.
Generally they have good curls from birth. They are very
strong and powerful and are, always, smooth and peaceful. They
—24—

take a little food and are easily trainable. Their eyes are a little big.
They are moderate in size. Though they have much passion, they
are very submissive to their masters. They walk fast with uplifted
faces. They complete any kind of work satisfactorily. They produce
good smell and they appear very beautifully. Their walk, trot, canter,
jump, and gallop are excellent. Hence they are said to be the best
horses.
[2nd variety of HORSES]
(ASVA)
Horses of these kinds are red in colour. They have eyes of ho-
ney colour. They are 4 hasthas tall and they have much passion.
They are always calm but at times lose temper to a very little extent.
They run like an arrow. They are very strong and they never fail
in work. They are stout when young. Men can easily ride over
them. Their cries are somewhat like thunder. They can withstand
hunger and thirst. They are good in nature, healthy, and have good
scent. They possess small ears and long tails. They work with a
little haughtiness. They are very terrible while hunting and in war.
They have strong memory. They are not fickle minded. They feel
much when punished. They are fond of swimming in water. They
are good to all persons. They are fit for riding for ministers, com-
mander-in-chiefs, and Princes.
[3rd variety of HORSES]
(GHOTAKA)
They are of black colour and they are very powerful and
swift. They are always successful in work. They often cry. They
are very clean and short and have a little sleep. Their teeth are
—25—

smooth. They can withstand difficulties of work. They have stout
and strong necks. They bite their teeth often showing their anger
when punished. They are fond of war and hunting.
[4th variety of HORSES]
(ARVAN)
They are very short in size and are different colours. Though
they can not run swift, they can work well. They are always, happy.
Their cries are like thunder. They are very pleasing to their masters
and they are fond of sweet words. They take a little food and they
have little anger. They walk very beautifully. They have broad eyes.
They erect their penis long when they are very passionate. They are
always peaceful and healthy. They fear hunting. They are shrewd
having smooth-bodies. They like beautiful sceneries. They are very
faithful servants. They can carry heavy burdens.
[5th variety of HORSES]
(VAHA)
These are red in colour throughout their bodies but their faces
and legs are white. They have much power, strength and anger. They
are always short, but lengthy and have hanging testicles. Their cries
are pleasant. They have long and stout necks. They work hard and
well when punished. They possess strong memory, red tongues and
long tails. They are always kind and submissive to their masters.
Generally they have visible good curls (marks) on their bodies.
— 26—

[6th variety of HORSES]
(GANDHARVA)
These have different coloured spots on their bodies. They
are very tall. They are very superior ones, and are peaceful and
noble-minded. They are very submissive to their masters. Those
horses which are red throughout, have white colour in faces, breasts,
hinder portions and legs, or seperately in parts are the best ones, and
those which are white throughout have red colour in faces, breasts,
hinder portions and legs and in parts are said to be the best ones. They
are always very clean and shrewd in memory. They always consume
a little food. They are fit for all kinds of work, as war, hunting,
riding, drawing vehicles etc.,
[7th variety of HORSES]
(HAYA)
These kinds of horses are either white, red or black throughout
their bodies without mixture of colours. They have full of long
mane on their necks. They are very capable of walking in 5 kinds.
They have good qualities and much gratefulness. They have good
curls on their bodies. They are fond of hunting and war. They would
be victorious in war. They are not at all afraid of anything. They have
much passion and they appear very beautifully. They can withstand
heavy winds, rain and hot sun. They have broad faces. Tehy are good
for riding.
There are many kinds of horses in forest having these quali-
ties and nature. Those horses, which are cruel, having ash-colour,
irregular faces, ungratefulness, much passion, idleness, uninclination
for work and bad-scent are all bad ones. They decrease their
— 27 —

masters' prosperity. Therefore, the kings, princes and other noble per-
sons should choose good horses with good curls to increaase their
wealth and prosperity. They must be well fed and maintained in
stables. The mares are also of the same qualities and nature of the
horses, but are more beautiful and swift in walk. Their anger is less.
It would be very pleasant for persons to ride on them. They are easily
trainable and are successful in every kind of attempt. They possess
inborne intelligence. The youth, for the both horses and mares is
from the 5th to 16th year, when they become old. They become dull
and unfit for work. Their utmost age is 25 years. Owing to their good
qualities, kinds and work they are considered to be RAJASA UTTAMA
or superior in 2nd class.
8th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CAMELS.
There are 4 varieties of camels. Some are white, some reddish
brown, and some gray in colour. Their bodies are awkward and their
tails are very short. They are very patient (calm) and quiet-going
animals. They are not at all injurious to any soul on the face of the
earth. They eat always margosa leaves. They are very strong,
powerful and swift. They are dull-in-nature and their walk is very
ugly. Their lips and chins would always be moving. They are very tall
and have big humps. They have much passion during winter seasons.
Their youth begins in their 4th or 5th year. When they begiu to en-
joy with female ones in dark places, bushes, deserts and solitary
and depressed places. After pregnancy they deliver their young
— 28 —

ones in their 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th month. The young ones will
suck their mother's milk for some time and play with their mothers.
They will grow in abundance in Oasises only. They can bare heavy
burdens and run very swiftly even in their early ages. They are very
useful to human beings though they are low in breed.
[1st variety of CAMELS]
(USHTRA)
These varieties of camels are 7 or 8 karams tall. (9 or 10 feet)
Their lips would ever move. They have very tall legs and brown
coloured bodies. They run very fast with very heavy burdens. They
can withstand cold, sun's heat, hunger, and thirst. They like deserts
and run fast in deserts oaly. They possess huge humps and curved
long necks. They never feel exhaustion even though they walk a long
distance. At times they like to go into forests also.
[2nd variety of CAMELS]
(KRAMELAKA)
Camels of these kinds are grey in colour and can run very
swiftly. They have very big humps, and there is always much foam in
their mouths. They become very fat when young and they are always
healthy and strong. The hair on their bodies is generally long. They
can tolerate any kind of hardship at work. They are a little impatient
when hungry and terrible at times. When they are exhausted, their
eyes become red. They are very anxious to eat.
—29—

[3rd variety of CAMELS]
(DASERAKA)
These are whitish brown in colour and 10 hasthams in height.
They always desire to roam in the forest. They have much impa-
tience and terrible appearance and are not easily capturable. Supposing
they are captured and fastened with ropes, they try to cut them by
biting and go away. Though they complete the work entrusted to
them they are very ungreateful. Their breath is very long and they
are not inclined to listen sweet words. They possess some bad qualities.
Bad smell would be coming out of their bodies. It is impossible to
obstruct them while they are running fast.
[4th variety of CAMELS]
(MAHANGA)
They are tall more than 10 hasthas in height. They are most
powerful and brown in colour. They possess very long necks, legs and
hair on their bodies. They are very avaricious of eating of all kinds
of leaves in abundance including poisonous leaves. They are very
patient animals. They are very greateful to their masters. They ever
successful in their work. They are very easily trainable. They grow
very fatty in their youth times and are always healthy and strong.
They are fond of carrying stones and other weighty things. Though
they have ugly bodies, they are very strong and powerful. The female
ones resemble the male camels in all respects but with a less speed.
They are very kind and patient by nature. They are easily trainable.
They never fail to work and,they are very greateful to their masters.
They (both male and female) enjoy youth from the 4th to 16th year.
— 30 —

Their utmost age is 30 years. Owing to creed and work they are con-
sidered to be TAMASA UTTAMA or superior in 3rd class.
9th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSES.
There are 3 kinds of asses. They are gray, white or black in
colour, and dull by nature. Their bodies are ugly and ears long. They
resemble horses in some respects. They have long faces and graze al-
ways grass. They are fond of mean and shabby work. They are neither
beautiful nor strong. Their cries are very awkward: and unpleasant
to hear. They have much passion and black penis. They produce bad
smell. Though they walk slowly they can carry burdens. Their front
legs do scratch each other while walking. Their youth begins in
their third year. When they have much passion in rainy season and
stand always by the side of female asses. They generally, enjoy with
female ones more in night times. Then they become pregnant. They
feel wearisome to a little extent and give birth to young ones in their
9th or 10th month. The young ones often suck their mothers' milk
and sleep. They are quite unfit for training even in their early ages.
Their varieties are clearly described below :—
[1st variety of ASSES]
(GARDABHA)
These kinds of asses are gray:in colour throughout their bodies
save their faces, bellies, and hinder portions which are white. They are
— 31 —

neither tall nor short. They are very patient ones. They can with-
stand rain, cold, sun's heat, hunger, and thrist. They have moderate
passion and smooth bodies but are a little impatient. They take a little
food and pass a little urine. Though they are lean, they can carry
burdens well. They never feel dejected while at work. They are grate-
full to their masters. They are useful to human beings.
[2nd variety of ASSES]
(KHARA)
These varieties of asses are generally black, in colour, having
long bodies and big eyes. Some are gray in colour. They have many
knotted hair on their bodies. They are a little bit stout. They are never
impatient nor unhealthy. They have stroug memory. They will work
sudmissively and satisfactorily to their masters. They are very strong
and passionate. They appear to be very ungrateful when they are im-
patient. They are slow in walk. They do'nt produce bad smell much.
They even venture to do very mean work when they are angry.
They endure any kind of hard labour. They are fond of hearing sweet
words. Some of the asses of this variety have various colours and
some have various coloured spots on their bodies.
[3rd variety of ASSES]
(RASABHA)
These' kinds of asses are a inixed breed of horses and asses.
They are otherwise called mules. Some are red, white, black, or grey
ahd some of various colours. They are, generally tall and have long
stripes. Though they are a little less in speed than horses, they could
easily be trained. Some like to live in forests alone and create fear
to other smaller animals. They have a little passiou aud are moderate
— 32 —

in size. They can withstand sun's heat, cold, rain, hunger and thirst,
but they are not easily controllable. They possess strong memory.
They fast when angry. They are never idle and dull. Their cries are
not pleasant. They must be punished for extracting work from them
when they are impatient. Female mules too resemble their males in
their nature and quality. They are a little fairer and less angry than
their males. They give birth to 3 to 4 issues in their life-time. They are
fat and strong while young. Their utmost age is 12 years. Owing to
their nature and work they are called Tamasa Adhama or inferior in
3rd 'class.
10th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BOARS.
There are 3 varieties of boars living in forests and 7 living in
countries and villages. They are always mean-minded. Some are
black or white and some grey in colour. They eat roots, and other
nasty things like night-soil. They are fond of rolling about in (mire)
muddy and swampy places. Some spoil crops altogether. Some
create fear to human beings. They have very small bodies and are
unfit to work as they are dull by nature. They possess stout stomachs
and sharp knoch shaped ears. They are very fatty-muscled ones.
They have long projected faces, and have long tusk like jaws. They
have much passion in winter season. Their youth begins in their 2nd
year. They then try to cohabit with female ones. They (female) gene-
rally give birth to 5, 6, or 7 young ones in their 3rd or 4th month
for every pregnancy. The young ones will suck their mothers' milk
very often and are always with their mothers. Their varieties are
described below.
— 33 —

[1st variety of BOARS]
(VARAHA)
These kinds of boars are black in colour. They belong to swine
kind. They possess very stout tails and they are very swift in running.
They cannot withstand the sun's heat. Their bodies are full of hair,
They are fond of eating much, and they are otherwise called gluttons.
They never go single. They produce girgling noice which is unpleasant
to hear. They are fat and void of diseases. They produce awfully
bad smell.
[2nd variety of BOARS]
: (SUKARA)
These boars are whitish in colour having pointed and rough
hair on their bodies. They always fond of mire and water. They are
slow in speed owing to short paces. They have stout stomachs. They
detest company. They are cruel and afraid of hunger. Their breathing
is long. Their legs are long. They will destroy all kinds of crops and
gardens. They are cal led Sukaras.
[3rd variety of BOARS]
(KOLA)
They are of grey colour and possessing stout bodies, small jaws
crooked and ever curved tails and extremely long ears. They have
slippery and irregular paces and less strength. They have bushy and
dence hair. They produce fearful girling noice. They always produce
very bad smell. Naturally they are coward. They are very fond of
wandering. They have a little sleep in nights.

• 34 -

[4th variety of BOARS]
(POTRI)
They are very stout, and very swift like an arrow. They are
generally sleepless and with fear. They are fond of playing in mire
and water. They often desire to run. They are tall and have bodies
clad in dust. They create fear with their awful girgling noise. They
are strong and have stout necks, big eyes, and hanging testicles.
[5th variety of BOARS]
(KITI)
They are very tall, swift and inaccessible, having deformed faces.
They have bodies in multiplied colours with short stripes, possesing
white, or red legs. They generally make fearful noises. They have
thorny hair on their bodies.
[6th variety of BOARS]
(DAMSHTRI)
These boars eat always hard things. They have swordlike teeth.
Their faces are fearful owing to their big jaws. They are, practically,
free from all diseases. They produce girgling noise. They are ever
with inflation. They always inted to sleep in shade. They are fond of
cohabitation at frequent intervals. They cannot withstand rain and
sun-shine. They always desire to do detestable acts.
— 35 —

[7th variety of BOARS]
(BHUDARA)
These varieties of boars are called Bhudaras. They always dig
out earth with their tusks and noses and they are jet black in colour.
They always rest under the shade of trees and bushes. They have a
little reduced bodies haviug gair, big heads, and stout stomachs. They
are easily irritable in temper.
[1st variety of wild BOARS]
(SWAVIT)
These kinds of wild boars have full of long thorny hair. They
know the coming of hunting dogs by scent. These are the enemies of
wild dogs. Their bodies are covered with lines of sharp and thorny hair
scattered with small hair of rather light nature. Their thorny hair are
a means to terrify and hunt wild beasts. They generally destroy
crops etc. They possess short tails and are fearful by nature.
[2nd variety of wild BOARS]
(GHRISHTI)
The Ghrishti boars are tali having long tails and full of long
and sharp hair ou their bodies. They always wandering iu curls. They
possess long tusk-like jaws, stout stomacus, long ears and small eyes.
They are a very terrible in appearance. They are very harmful to
each and every soul.
— 36 —

[3rd variety of WILD BOARS]
(SALYA-Porcupine)
The Porcupines are of brown colour having stout bodies covered
with full of long thorny and projected hair throughout. Their speed,
is more or less like that of an arrow. They have very ugly appearance.
They are very injurious to souls. In places where they roam, crops,
houses, gardens and all other things are entirely destroyed. They
have much irritation and bad qualities. They are always uncontrollable
and unfit for any work. The female ones possess the same qualities
and nature but they are a little less irretated and fearful having more
in dullness and sleep. Their old age begins in their 7th year. Their
utmost age is 10 years. Owing to their creed and work, they are
termed as Tamasa Adhama or inferior in 3rd class.
11th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BUFFALOES.
There are 5 kinds of buffaloes in the country alone. They are
generally black with thick and rough skin having long horns. They are
naturally dull and desirous of rolling in mire. Though they are slow
in walk, they are mighty: and strong, and can bare heavy burdens.
They are called the "Main character" for purposes of cultivaton. They
are humble and submissive to all living beings. They have long hang-
ing testicles. They can withstand rain, hot sun, heavy winds, cold, etc.
Their youth begins in the 4th or 5th year. Then they cry aloud often
— 37 —

showing their extreme passion for cohabitation especially in winter
season. They cohabit with she-buffaloes of equal passion and age and
give pregnancy to them. They generally give birth in their 10th month.
The calves will be rather ugly having rough dense hair throughout
their bodies and do suck their mothers' milk for some months. They
are useful for ploughing, and cart-driving from their 4th or 5th year.
They drink, ganji, dirty rice-water, and eat grass, straw, cotton-seeds
and leaves. Their kinds are described below:—
1st variety of BUFFALOES]
(MAHISHA)
They are jet black in colour and very stout. They have stout
stomachs and horns. When they become wild and desire for cohabi-
tation, they run very fast. They are fair to look at. They will re-
member things when slightly punished. They are harmless and very
grteful to their masters. They are easily controllable and trainable.
They can carry heavy burdens and withstand hunger, thirst etc ,
[2nd variety of BUFFALOES]
(LULAYA)
This kind of buffaloes is partly blue in colour and tall with
long horns. They have rough and long hair throughout their bodies.
Their front kuees are a little bit longer than the hind ones. They
have stout tails, hanging testicles and big heads. They could easily be
trained and controlled. They are very powerful and inclined to work
hard. They are devoid of sorrows and misery owing to duliness.
They produce good smell and have beautiful bodies. They are fond of
sweet words. They are more or less gluttons.
— 38 —

[3rd variety of BUFFALOES]
(VAHADWIT)
These kinds of buffaloes are very tall, swift and black, in
colour. They are fond of sweet words. They could not be controlled
when they become wild of anger. They have long tails and hard,breath-
ing. They can work completely and satisfactorily. They have broad
eyes, big humps, and long necks. They are devoid of diseases in early
ages. They have much passion for cohabitation. They often cry aloud.
Their hair and skin are very thick. They often roll about in mud and
sand. Their limbs and nerves become very strong when they are angry.
They stand first among their crowd.
[4th variety of BUFFALOES]
(KASARA)
These varieties of buffaloes are blackish red with white hair.
They are moderate in size and very strong and powerful. They have
white horns, stout stomachs and very quick moevments. They always
produce long loud cry. They take a little food when they are in prime
youth. They are fond of rolling about in mire and going very happily
in rain. They are never separated fron their cattle. They have long
and hanging testicles and less passion. They can control their minds
and work hardly.
[5th variety of BUFFALOES]
(SAIRIBHA)
They always live in forests appearing terribly. They have
very much irritation of temper. They destroy all places wherever
they go. Though they are very strong, they could not easily, be
— 39 —

controllable. They are devoid of taming and they are cruel-minded.
They are unfit for any kind of work. They have very rough and thick
skin. They are very ungrateful and fickle-minded. Some are of diffe-
rent colours. These kinds of buffaloes are very inferior in class. She-
buffaloes resemble He-Buffaloes. They give plenty of milk while young.
They are kind and patient (calm ones: They are pleasant and sub-
missive to human beings. They have stout stomachs. They give birth
to 4 or 5 calves in their life time. They should not be used for culti-
vating purposes. The cows and she-buffaloes are worshipped with saffron
and flowers. They are young from the 4th to 12th year. Their utmost
age is 20 years. Owing to breed and work they are called Rajasa
Adhama or inferior in 2nd class.
12th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BULLOCKS.
There are 7 varieties of bulls. Some are white, some red, some
black, some grey, and some in different colours. They are generally
strong and powerful with two horns, long tails and big humps. They
have beautiful and glittering bodies. They are the main support to
cultivators. They are calm and faithful to their masters, and pleasing
to all. Some have stout stomachs. They eat generally gingelly,
and ground-nut cakes, grass, straw, leaves etc., They are easily
trainable. They have good curls and good nature. Their prime youth
begins in their 4th or 5th year. They have generally much passion
for cohabitation in winter. They follow cows, crying aloud
— 40 —