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

[7th variety of MONKEYS]
(KEESA)
These kinds of monkeys would ever be producing keech keech
noise and have bad-temper. Their passion for cohabitation increases
when their temper is reduced. They, at times, quarrel with one another.
They are fond of eating much. They have long feet and very long tails.
They often hang on the branches of the trees. They are never single
and secluded. Hence, they play with one another joyfully. They eat
grass too. They are reddish white in colour. They wander in thick
ferests, mountains and caves.
[8th variety of MONKEYS]
(VANAUKAS) (BABOONS)
These kinds of monkeys are black in colour, stout and have
tall bodies. They always live in forests. They die shortly after they
come out of the forests of their own accord or when turned by force.
They have stout stomachs. Their bodies are covered with rough, long
and thick hair. They do not miss their gripe anywhere in their time.
Some of the monkeys of this variety have black faces. They are very
harmful and dull natured. Some resemble bears in appearance. They
are devoid of hearing the sweet words. They are very strong and
powerful and have their eyes become blood red when they quarrel.
Some are very powerfull in their native places; some in other
places show their mighty powers and some leave their places for sheer
fear. Some ever suffer from sickness. There are many varieties of
monkeys possessing the same qualities, nature and work. The female
monkeys resemble the male ones in character, nature, qualities etc.,

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but are more beautiful and have smooth hair on their bodies. They
have a little anger, haughtiness, and more passion for cohabitation.
They are very affectionate towards their children. Their youth extends
from 2 to 7 years. Their utmost age is 10 years. Owing to their dull
nature, and fickle mindedness, they are said to be Tamasa Adhama,
or inferior in 3rd class.
18th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JACKALS.
There are 6 kinds of Jackals. They are fond of living in forests
alone. They are yellowish, red, grey, or whitish-black in colour. They
are very cunning and tactful. They always run swiftly with bushy
tails. They hide in such a way that even wild tribes in forests could
not catch them. Owing to their cries, people living by the side of their
places under go many hard-ships and they are inauspicious for them.
They are carnivorous. Their youth begins in the 2nd year. Their
passion increases in rainy season and they cohabit with their female
ones of equal age. They suffer pain when they are pregnant. They
give birth to young ones (cubs) in their 4th or 5th month. The young
ones will often suck their mother's milk. Their varieties are mentioned
below:—
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[1st variety of JACKALS]
(SRIGALA)
These varieties of jackals are not so tall in size and they have
golden colour. They naturally walk swiftly and walk more swiftly
when they loose their temper and are afraid. They cry very unpleasa-
ntly. They injure weak animals. Their smell is bad. They are afraid of
cold, winds, rain, and hot Sun. Though they are insignificant ones, they
are very shrewd and keen in understanding others.
[2nd variety of JACKALS]
(MRIGADHURTA)
Jackals of this kind clearly know the place and residence of each
and every animal and at times they deceive them tactfully the other
animals some how or other escape when attacked by them. Their bodies
are a little rough, stout, and brown in colour with rough hair on them.
They have much mustaches on their faces. They are much afraid of
huge sounds. They know the dwellings of human beings and cause fear
in people if they are alone. Their cries are long and fearful. They are
much irritated by anger.
[3rd variety of JACKALS]
(VANCHAKA)
Jackals of this kind are in golden colour having long jaws, claws
(nails) and hair with ugly bodies. They are fond of living with crowds
or flocks. They are very powerful at nights. They are very dreadful
—63—

and cruel and could not be easily controlled. They often cry and their
eyes are much blood-reded when they are angry. They kill and eat the
Quiet-going animals.
[4th variety of JACKALS]
(KROSHTRA)
These varieties of Jackals are blackish-red in colour. There is
whitish colour on their faces, stomachs, and legs. They are very tall
and ugly with bad smell. They invariably cry in mornings and evenings.
They always wander for prey as they are very hungry. They have
much bad temper and cunningness They are not easily capturable even
by the forest tribes.
[5th variety of JACKALS]
(JAMBUKA)
These kinds of jackals are red in colour, but, their faces and tails
are black colour. They are naturally dreadful and very cunning. They
are so quick in speed as they could not be 'shot dead by weapens They
have long-ears, short legs and bushy tails. They do not like the scent
of human beings. Some of these have long stripes on their bodies. At
times they deceive animals.
[6th variety of JACKALS]
(PHERU)
Jackals of these kinds are 'spotted with different colours.
Their bodies are of golden colour. They have always much anger. They
always live in forests, and hide in bushes in day times. They, at
—64—

times attack people and harm the other animals. They are very ava-
ricious. They stoop to do very mean work when they are hungry.
If they happen to come to towns or villages, such villages or towns
would be spoiled as their coming is said to be inauspicious. They are
not easily obtainable. The female jackals resemble the male ones in all
respects; but are very slow in walk. They are calm to a little extent
and always lye under the shade of trees. They take a little food. They
(both male and female) are fond of eating corpses. Hence they should
not be allowed to enter in to villages or towns. Their youth is from
2 to 7 years. Their utmost age is 10 years. Owing to mean-mindedness
and bad qualities, they are called Tamasa Adhama or inferior in 3rd
class.
19th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CATS.
There are 5 varieties of cats. They generally live in houses.
Some live in forests. They are always selfish. They do always mean
things. Some are white, grey, black and some yellowish-brown in
colour. They are generally striped like tigers and some spotted. They
have long tails and they are quiet going, calm, and coward. They
give bad results always against the auspicious deeds. They are fat
by eating rats, food, ghee, curd etc. They resemble jackals in character.
Their passion for cohabitation increases in Spring. After $1\frac{1}{2}$ years
they get prime youth. Generally they begin to cohabit with female
ones especially at nights. They lick each other and play happily at
— 65 —

the time of their intercourse. They give birth to 2 to 5 kittens in their
4th or 5th month. The kittens often suck their mothers' milk and play
with them for some months. Their varieties are described below:—
[1st variety of CATS]
(BIDALA)
Cats of these kinds have black spots throughout their bodies.
They are long-bodied, round faced and bushy tailed. They are often
fond of eating rats, bandicoots, food, ghee, curds, milk etc., and
living in dwelling houses, but they are coward. They can easily see
things at nights. They are very cruel, ungrateful and selfish. They
have a little passion, haughtiness and bad smell.
[2nd variety of CATS]
(MARJALA)
These varieties of cats are a little bit tall and stout. They often
run from place to place. Their mews are a little bit harsh. They stoop
to do unpleasant things and deceive persons. They are very angry
and passionate. They eat much owing to severe hunger and thrist.
They have long faces to a little extent and long stripes. Their jaws
and claws are very sharp. They always quarrel with one another.
They are fond of dwelling in houses. They eat flesh alone, at times
and some times they pour down the food, milk, ghee etc., and eat
them. They cohabit during night times.
— 66 —

[3rd variety of CATS]
(OTHU OR WILD CATS)
These kinds of cats are black in colour and spotted with different
colours. They have long stripes (on their bodies,) jaws and claws.
Some are a little dreadful living in forests alone. They are fond of
eating flesh and sleeping always. They mew terribly. They are harmful
to minor animals. They have rough hair and long tails and a little broad
eyes. They stoop to cruel actions always.
[4th variety of CATS]
(AKHUBHUK)
Cats of these kinds are very tall and yellowish-brown in colour.
They often kill small animals as they are fond of eating flesh. They are
very cruel-minded and mew very dreadfully. They generally wander in
nights Some have uniform colour on their faces, stomachs, and rear
portions and the rest of the bodies are in some other colour. Naturally
they do not hear sweet words and they are not easily capturable. Some
have black faces, owing to long jaws. Some are white with bad smell.
[5th variety of CATS]
(MEDAKA OR CIVET CATS)
These kinds of cats are the best ones. They are born in forests
alone. Their bodies are long and they have very bushy tails. They have
much mustaches on their faces. When they are black, there are red dots
on their bodies and when are red, there are white dots throughout.
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Especially, there are many kinds in this 5th varieties of cats (i-e, civet
cats). They produce much civet which is more valuable. Naturally
they are quiet and easily trainable. They are fond of hearing sweet
words. They have a little sharp ears. They are afraid of big noises
like the beating of trumpets etc,.
Many kinds of cats are available in forests possessing the same
nature, qualities, and colours. The female cats resemble the male ones
in all respects. They walk slowly and are alittle calm and quiet-going.
They are not good to people. Their youth is from 1½ years to 3 years.
Their utmost age is 4 years. Owing to nature and breed, they are called
Tamasa Adhama or inferior in 3rd class.
20th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF RATS AND HARES.
There are 4 varieties of rats. They are very silly. Generally
they always live in houses as cats do. Some live in gardens in deep
holes. Some are blackish-white and some brown. They generally move
in nights alone with "Chuku-Chuku" cries. They are much afraid of
cats. They are fond of eating paddy, corn, oil and other things. They
have very small ears and very long tails. They have bright eyes and
smooth bodies. They are always passionate but more in summer and
winter seasons, and generally female rats give birth to 4 to 6 mice in
those season generally. Their pregnancy lasts for a month and the
mother rats carefully and affectionately protect their young mice
after the opening of their eyes till 5 or 6 months. Their youth begins
in the 10th month. They often jump and play when they are young.
Their kinds are described below:—
— 68 —

[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
— 70 —

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:—
— 71 —

[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
— 74 —

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
— 75 —

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.
— 76 —

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
— 78 —

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
— 79 —

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 —