Eternal India Encyclopedia

Eternal India encyclopedia

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

Rashtra Mruga NATIONAL ANIMAL

TIGER Features : The majestic tiger 'Panthera Tigris' is held in high esteem for its colour, roar, and formidable strength. A solitary animal, feeds on cattle and deer, becomes man-eater as a result of weakened power or shortage of game Size : 9ft 6 inches wt.400 to 450 lbs. Female shorter and weighs less.

Indian Race : Royal Bengal Tiger Life Span : About 11 years average

Conservation : To check the dwindling population of tigers in India which came down to only 1,827 in 1972, Project Tiger (19 reserves) was launched on April 1, 1972. Since then its population has been gradually increasing. The present tiger population in India is 4,334 representing almost 2/3rds of the global tiger population. Reserves : There are 18 tiger reserves in India. The five largest are Nagarjunasagar (Andhra Pradesh) 3568 sq km, Manas (Assam) 2,840 sq km, Indravati (MP) 2,799 sq km, Simlipal (Orissa) 2,750 sq km and Sunderbans (West Bengal) 2,585 sq km. Smallest is Corbett (UP) 521 sq km.

Rashtra Pakshi NATIONAL BIRD

PEACOCK (MAYURA) The Indian peacock Pavo Christatus (Linnaeus) is one of the most beautiful of birds, particularly the male which has a glistening blue neck and a long, magnificent tail with feathers which are spread out, fan-like, in a fascinating dance of courtship. It is adorned with eye-like circles. It is the deadly enemy of snakes. Seeds and fruits in the forest are its staple diet. Found widely, in the south and east of India, around Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir and Assam. The peacock has a central place in Indian folklore, literature and legend. The greatest tribute to the peacock was paid by the Mughal emperor and builder of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan, who ordered a magnificent throne built for himself, the Takht-e-Tans (Peacock Throne), which had a pair of peacocks, encrusted with emeralds and precious stones, and inlaid with gold and silver, on either side of it. It was carried away as booty by the Persian invader, Nadir Shah, in 1739.