Perspective: Kipling's Portrayal of Wild Animals in Human Forms in "Jungle Book" Set in Highlands of Central India

Kipling Country Geography - Central Indian Highlands

Although Kipling's Jungle Book revolves around Seoni Hills, the turbulent tiger landscape was a part of the Central Indian Highlands a contiguous forest patch encompassing more than 10000 sq. km. The Sal, Teak, and mixed forests are home to incredible biodiversity in the State of Madhya Pradesh. Incidentally, Seoni Hills now encompass Pench Tiger Reserve where BBC filmed the famous documentary "The Spy in The Jungle".  

The Central Indian Highlands were much accounted for by Captain James Forsyth a British explorer in the 18th Century in his book the "Highlands of Central India". The primary focus of the narrative was the terrain, wildlife, and humans of Satpura Range which meets Vindhya Range at Maikal Hills in Amarkantak.  

Tiger 

In the context of habitat continuity and matching terrain, it is difficult to limit Kipling Country to any particular region in Central India that formally straddled the Vidharbha region as well. The region comprises similar habitats with a little variance except for the niche ecosystems at places due to the impact of local geography and floral content.   

Maps portraying the geographical boundaries of present-day India differed from antecedents during British Rule. While it is meaningless to broach this topic, the author wishes to redefine Kipling's Country from a true geographical perspective and allay the conflict regarding the placement of Kipling Country. The geographical composition that Kipling pens in all the chapters of "Jungle Book" is prevalent from the origin of the Satpura to the whole of Vindhya an interconnected region now irrevocably fragmented. 

“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”

― Rudyard Kipling, The Collected Works 

Kipling's Personification of Wild Animals 

Sher Khan the antihero is a legendary tertiary carnivore ironically crowned King of the jungle by man and is now critically endangered. The antihero fits well in the epic in the human context since Kipling skillfully brought forth the denizens of the jungle into life with their portrayal based as humans. Anyway, a story does well with a well-defined hero as the central character and an adversary hell-bent on destroying the hero and usurping all the goodies that come along with a win. 

The personification of wild animals though a brilliant piece of work is nothing new, and in time immemorial the personification is apparent in the Holy Ramayana a factual narrative. While the phenomenon is attributed to the Supreme in the latter, Kipling's portrayal is a masterstroke of esoteric fiction. No wonder the Nobel Laurette was a genius of his times. It is difficult for a human to transfer our behavioral characteristics to beings incapable of emotions related to premeditated responses like vengeance, lust, fear, happiness, sadness, and empathy. 

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”

― Rudyard Kipling

Kipling successfully endowed these behavioral characteristics to wild animals in his epic novel. No wonder the write-up was a legendary success despite being based in a dark time of extreme poverty and foreign subjugation. The human portrayal does not reflect the times since the very concept of the book dwells in the esoteric. Kiping was a white supremacist as I read in some articles, nevertheless, Indians have built a museum in his honor. Even after 75 years of independence, we are not able to shrug off the traits that define slave mentality, and for many, the white man stays superior. Indians are susceptible to non-native esoteric ideologies that flout native concepts.    (All the creation and infrastructure during the Raj has come at a cost and the natives paid a heavy price for that to the erstwhile masters.) (And we still goad over the gifts). 

The Jungle Book narrative is excellent for imaginary recreational pursuit but it does carry a wrong message.

Victimizing the Tiger & Impact of Literature 

The tiger is, by all means, an animal considered at the top of the food pyramid, and labeled as King of the jungle. Nonetheless, he is portrayed as an antihero thirsting for the manchild's blood. The portrayal in several folklores including modern portrayals like in the Jungle Book has victimized the animal no end. This characterization of the big cat stems from the age-old threat perception of predators during those times in many parts of the World. The tiger in India was relentlessly slaughtered in the guise of human safety, its habitat destroyed as an agrarian necessity, and hunted down to prove killer instinct and masculinity in young officers during the Raj. 

I read a book by an Indian author stating that in a period of ten years around 25 thousand tigers were butchered for a small price paid to the hungry vermin killers. It is not only the economic price we have paid for slavery at hands of the Mughals and the British, the cultural and demographic sacrifices, and the human toll has exceeded the limits set by genocide in the present context. 

Pachmarhi

Despite the absence of anti tiger narrative in the Hindu Pantheon, the Maharajahs and Indian elites were as much responsible for the pathetic status of the tiger in Pre and Post Independent India. It was pure recreation justified by the unchallenged power of the throne, bestowed masculine perceptions and the religious sanctities accorded by the priests. The Satraps left no stones unturned to please their masters during and even after the Raj. In post-independent India, substantial revenue was generated from tiger shoots besides the ongoing slaughter. It was the WPA 1972 that stemmed the rot. More than 3000 tigers survive today thanks to intense tiger conservation.

Akela The Wolf & Other Predators 

Akela's paternal endearment towards Mowgli, acceptance as a pack member, and Baloo and Bagheera's emotional attachment to the naked child are the personification of the human form. But ironically, the depiction clearly points toward the superiority of humans over lesser beings. We have yet to acknowledge that Earth belongs to all life forms.  Baloo the bear, and Baghira are badly treated in human confines and the latter is on verge of extinction in India. 

The story portrays Kaa the python, Tabaqui (Jackal), and other birds and animals as ugly and evil and this does not help in changing human perceptions about these beautiful creatures. Though there was no malicious intent as far as the book is concerned the characterization does no good. The predators are now on the list of critically endangered animals.  

Highlands of Central India 

This amazing landscape described above encompasses many tiger reserves and hill resorts. The reserves are home to the tiger and many species of mammals, insects, reptiles, and birds. 

The reserves are wild holiday hotspots where tiger safari and birding trips are organized. All the holiday destinations are picturesque, and home to some spectacular panoramic spectacles.  Tourism is well organized in these remote destinations, and there is a rush during the holidays and in the winter season. Unlike overcrowded hill resorts, tiger reserves are protected by limiting human entry and the safari is an experience in isolation since the jeeps rarely club together.  Sooner or later the authorities will have to curb movement in the hill resorts as well. 

Places of Interest

• Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Panna Tiger Reserve
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Pench National Park
• Kanha Tiger Reserve 
• Satpura Tiger Reserve 
• Pachmarhi Hill Resort
• Amarkantak Hill Resort 
• Sanjay Dubri National Park 

Prior booking is advised for holiday making in these destinations. Tiger safari is organized only for permit holders. Permits are issued by MP State Government on MPOnline Portal. One must visit the hill resorts in summers but never during the holiday period, and thus, prevent stress on the infrastructure and the environment as well. Unfortunately, the hill resorts in Madhya Pradesh experience a greater rush during the weekends and the winter holidays. 

Some family safe properties are :  

• Jabalpur/Nauradehi - Krisha Hotel & Culchuri (MPTDC) Jabalpur
• Pachmarhi - (MPTDC Hotels)
• Pench -Mowgli's Den, Jungle Home Pench & Tathastu Resort
• Satpura - Forsyth's Lodge & Denwa Backwater Resort 
• Bandhavgarh - Tigers Den 
• Kanha - Courtyard House
• Sanjay Dubri - Sandbeach Resort & MPTDC 

The destinations are approachable from Jabalpur Airport in Madhya Pradesh. Pench National Park is closest to Nagpur Aiport in Maharashtra.  

Read More: Central Indian Highlands

Destination Bandhavgarh - A Wildlife Lover's Delight

Tucked away in remote access of Central India Bandhavgarh is the land of the tiger. Things do not end here the destination offers some of the most ancient and exotic architecture amidst the overgrown wilderness. Dating as far as 2000 years back numerous artifacts and structures are lying untended all over the place.  

Fort Entrance

The fort built by the Gond Rulers is called Bandhavgarh hence the name of the park. The idols and structures are an archeologist's delight albeit the fort is no more only scattered remains exist. There is an ancient Ram Janki Temple facing the park.  

The gate a looming arch is suggestive of a large encampment that must have been manned by a retinue of sentinels always at war with the invaders. The zoomorphic idols of Lord Vishnu are a treat to discover. Made of igneous rock they depict Vishnu in form of animals    

Temple at Fort Complex

The remote location and inaccessible terrain must have acted as a hideaway for the numerous dynasties that came to rule over its dizzy heights. A mile below the campus is Shesh Shaiyya a reclining idol of Lord Vishnu beside a fairy pool surrounded by verdant greenery in betwixt the dense forests on the slopes. The Charanganga originates from the mountains and drops down to the plains. It creates slushy meadows as it meanders between the low-lying hills covered with dense vegetation. This is the land of the tiger and leopard the big cats that roam Central India. The climb to reclining Vishnu is steep and needs experts to drive up. The erstwhile Maharajahs of Rewa Estate nearby were regular visitors to the Fort. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was the shikargah of their domain and hence received a lot of protection.       

Ram Janki Temple

The hunting preserve was declared a protected area in the year nineteen sixty-eight. It was given the status of a National Park and eventually brought under the aegis of Project Tiger.       

Bison were relocated from Kanha National Park after the original stock had died down due to disease.   Other animals to be seen here are the dhole, leopard, sloth bear, nilgai, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, and four-horned deer.  Wild boar, peacock, and langur are a common sight among many avian species.

Sesh Shaiyya

ManMade Reservoir

Male Tiger

Tiger

There are more than two hundred fifty bird species to be found in the tiger reserve. Reptiles are nocturnal but on rare occasions, a python could be seen. Other nocturnal animals and the less seen ones are ruddy mongooses, small Indian civets, pangolins, toddy cats, and ratel to name a few. 

The park is open from  October 16 to June 30th every year. Most tourists prefer winter months for tiger safari. But a lot of holiday crowd arrives during summer whence tiger visibility increases slightly. 

Tiger in Water

The preserve is located in Umaria District about four hours' drive from Jabalpur Airport and Railhead. Road connectivity exists in many nearby towns.

Tourism is well organized in the park. For accommodation, there are many wildlife resorts in Bandhavgarh which are economic. There are many luxury hotels that are expensive but preferable. A couple five stars and three hotels also provide accommodation to the upmarket crowd.   Government accommodations are few and reserved only for state employees and VIPs.

Khajuraho can be reached from here which is about eight hour drive by road. About 45 km from Khajuraho is the Panna Tiger Reserve another tiger heaven.
 

India Ancient Delights - Through Lens of Amateur

Temple

Chhatris at Orchha

Chattris

Orchha Fort

Fort Complex 

Ganesh Idol Khajuraho

Photographer at Jehangir Mahal Orchha

Kalinjar Fort

Kanlinjar Fort gate

Kalinjar Fort

Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Khajuraho Dence Festival

Mural at Orchha Palace

Mural at Raja Mahal

Orchha Cenotaph

Fort View Orchha 

Orchha Garden

Rajah Mahal Corridor

Murals

Raneh Falls Ken River Chhattarpur

Maintaining a travel blog means just that ...travel. Well I cannot afford to do that so often hence I publish images of my face book friends with their knowledge. 

Over a period of time I have realized that one need not be a professional photographer...for what you do with passionate zeal. It brings out the best in the images. The photographer Nandita Amin from Baroda I believe is an avid traveler and a foodie, both the passions go side by side as I realize from her face book activities.     

Here are some of her travel photos from Central India.  She has exquisitely portrayed images of  ancient monuments a memorable record of one among many of her exotic journeys.      

Shivpuri - Lesser Known Destination in MP

From the plains of Uttar Pradesh you drive on Jhansi Shivpuri  Highway  towards  the Summer Capital of rulers of Gwalior. The plains lead to a rugged countryside on which lies the Karera Bustard Sanctuary. The Great Indian Bustard is rarely seen in this dacoit infested area.       

You climb further uphill through Madhav National Park to reach  the township. The place is small but enchanting and unique mix of Rajasthani and MP culture. Shivpuri is named after Lord Shiva and important tourist centers are villages in vicinity that harbour anceint Hindu & Jain temples they are Terahi, Indari, Ranod, Sakarra and Mahua. Thes temples depict rock cut carvings on outer walls. Chamunda  Devi Temple is worth a visit. Some of the temples are over thousand years old and protected but many are in ruins beyond recognition. These places are not frequented by villagers and have overgrown vegetation encircling them. 

Madhav National Park is well known for its wildlife and once Mughals and Scindia's hunted in these pristine forest. The extant of the forest has decreased considerably and almost all remains in the protected area. The famous Chand Patha Lake harbors interesting migratory ducks and other bird species. George Castle stands erect amidst the forest, built for a king who never came. The palace has no historical significance. The elite past lives in numerous palaces and hunting lodges in the surroundings besides marble cenotaphs.       

North India Travel

Traveling is one way of experiencing India well only way perhaps. My recent travel along North Corridor for birding was a delightful experience. The trip starts at New Delhi and goes long like a maze. The birding circuit often covers Corbett Tiger Reserve, Sat Tal, Pangot, Chambal River Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and adjoining places of birding interest. Agra of course Taj & Fateh Pur Sikri & Red Fort + Lunch.   

India has an impressive list of birds and it is a sheer delight to see them. The bird heavens are still in preserved state. But we may loose some until unless we care for our wilderness both in towns and hill resorts. 

As tour escort at service for people from far and wide, I love to see our beloved country through scope of others. The colors and flavors of India touch one and all. The diversity amazes visitors the amazing pot pourri and a mixed basket of throbbing life. The food is delicious! "Why serve us continental food we prefer Indian gastronomic delights?" "Please lot of Masala!" "Tandoori Aha!"

No wonder India is Incredible by all means augmented by our warmth, hospitality and love.  But then India is also a chaos of traffic jams, road blocks, bumps, loud speakers, rude drivers, dirt, filth and loo on the roads.  The sewage, nullahs and roadside reek of thousand tons of caramelized shit! Yeek!  As much as India amazes the disgust on the negative is apparent. Though politely  set aside there are sometimes remarks.

My answers

"A large number of people. You know!"

"Poverty!"

"Illiteracy!"

What else! Just see the swanky New Delhi International Airport ....can't we change our country for much better this way. Can't some of us handle waste better...at number of places the Use Me container lies vacant with rubbish all around. Sometimes it is over filled with no service to dispatch it. One can go on. Yes most of us are doing our bit perhaps doing more and more is for better. 

Anyway I still recollect the colors of rural India some very clean villages and lush green fields. The visitors  appreciate and are intrigued with life so different from modern India. 

"Look there are so many people in bazaars, but every one is working!"

"Look so many people on trains, buses, rickshaws!"..Click, click, click.     

"An Indian Wedding?" "Oh Yes!" Click click click..

"A religious procession?" "Oh Yes!" Click click click
"Children going to school everywhere. Great!" 

The is stunning ...the long stretch of ghostly white Himalayas on way up to Pangot at Naini Tal District.     

Birding in India is thrilling and so is Indian Wildlife. Hence an extension to Kanha National Park in MP. Another experience the chaos and turbulence of crowd on Railway Stations. The confusing movement of trains across many platforms. Our very own Great Indian Railway a transportation wonder that moves India. From the impoverished settlements of Industrial towns the scape leads to beautiful surrounds of rural India and some stunning landscapes. The first AC coach offers lot of comfort not withstanding the toilet.    

The extension benefits the Indian package tour operator but onus lies on me to track the tiger. Nevertheless we see one in spite of bad weather. Another stunning masterpiece of nature the charismatic tiger! In absolute rapture!

"It is India wildlife tour next"! Shout my guests filled up to the brim with the magical appearance of the tiger.  

Incredible India! Yes lets make it better and better!

Temple Tours - Khajuraho

Undoubtedly the country's top attraction Khajuraho Temples are a marvel in stone that exhibit luminous grace and architectural splendor unsurpassed. The structures reflect the glory India's golden past that now survives amidst emerging modern chaos. Khajuraho temples are an epitome of liberal ideological values that were the main stays of ancient Kingdoms in Central India.

These magnificent piece of architecture lay hidden in the deep confines of Central India or the State of Madhya Pradesh. The discovery was made during the British Rule in India. The archeological finds are now maintained by the Archeological Surveys of India.    

Khajuraho is spirituality in art with expression of liberal sexual values engraved in the walls carved out of stone. The Kamasutra sex treatise is expressed here through delicate carvings and statues. The temples were built by Chandela dynasty in 10th and 11th century AD. The temples are situated in different complexes. These complexes also contain Jain Temples built during the Chandela Era. 

The purpose of this treatise in stone was perhaps a manual for young boys growing up in gurukuls or religious schools. It could also have been to please pleasure loving rain God Indra. The carved figures of men, women and animals are intertwined in various sexual positions. The carvings are intricate and explicit on the out walls of the Hindu Temples.

This hypothesis can best be left to eminent historians and scholars. Khajuraho temples are a must visit destinations. These are included in itinerary of many organized tour packages to Madhya Pradesh in India.

Khajuraho is a chaotic village that harbors these monuments of sublime beauty and exquisite artistic delights - the carving in stone - and not just erotic expressions that some of the travelers to India may be coming to see. This becomes evident on tour to Khajuraho as you visit one temple after another. You get immersed in the erotic carvings displayed on the walls.

Best way of reaching Khajuraho is by Air from Delhi and some other major towns. The nearest rail head is Satna. While one can access the temple town on Jabalpur - Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho route by taxi or personal vehicle.

The Panna National Park lies just forty five kms from the temple town of Khajuraho. Panna NP offers tiger safaris, exciting wildlife sightings and birding trips in the dense deciduous forests.

Travels in India.

There are many facets to traveling in India. All depends upon how, where and when you go. India changes every square mile, the seasons change fast and the ethnic and cultural diversity changes at every nook and corner.

If you are interested in a historical tour of India than your destination is routed through Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan, for the Taj Mahal, Delhi Fort and Kutab Minar. In Rajasthan, Udaipur and Jaipur offer many historical monuments notably the forts of the Rajput rulers.

Madhya Pradesh or Central India offers many historical destinations of which the Khajuraho Temples are the best known and tourists throng in large number to visit the Kama Sutra on temple walls.

For ecotourism  Madhya Pradesh offers amazing Indian wildlife including the best places to see the Indian tiger. Namely Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench Tiger Reserves. The bird life is amazing as well here and one can study around 250 plus bird species.