Falconry in Medieval India
https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/syainika-sastra-sanskrit/d/doc1220976.html
Most people have heard of falconry, which is the sport of training raptors like hawks or falcons to catch birds. Europe, Egypt, Central Asia and such cultures have falconry, but what about India? Some may know that falconry was popular amongst the Mughals, but surely falconry was in India prior to the Mughals rule? It is, we have two Hindu texts on falconry: the first is Shyainika Sashtra by the a 10th Century AD Deccan king named Rudradeva, a.k.a Candradeva, and the other is from a small chapter in the Manasollasa written in the 12th Century AD by teh kalyani Calukhya king Someshvara.
Here, I will show the Shyanika Shastra, a treatise on falconry. It is voluminous and covers topics from the ethics of hunting, to capturing falcons, raising them, training them, veterinary care, and a falconry sporting event. One thing to note is that the Sanskrit word Shyena means both a hawk or a falcon. The ancient people were not good with taxonomy, but it must be noted that falcons are more closely related to parrots than they are to hawks or eagles. This is why when translating portions of the Shyainika Shastra, I use the more generic word “raptor” a lot of times.
The book opens with a prayer fittingly to Lord Garuda, the eagle god. Here is the Shloka:
त्रैलोक्यश्रेयसे विष्णोर्यन्मित्रं साम्परायिकम् । सापत्नमिन्द्रस्य च तत् वन्दे गारुत्मतं महः ॥ १ ॥
trailokyaśreyase viṣṇoryanmitraṃ sāmparāyikam | sāpatnamindrasya ca tat vande gārutmataṃ mahaḥ || 1 ||
“In the welfare of the three realms, that warlike friend of Vishnu who is rival to Indra, I praise him the great Garutman”
The Book is divided into 7 chapters:
Introduction
Sinfulness of Violence
Ethics of Hunting.
Maintenance of the Falcons
Veterinary care for the Falcons
Falconry Sporting
Event Resting after a Hunt
First Three Chapters Summary:
The first chapter is irrelevant and covers the philosophy of knowledge and learning.
In the second chapter: Rudradeva characterizes several forms of violence, such as physical or verbal. He lists 18 forms of violences.
In the third chapter, Rudradeva declares that hunting is wrong as it involves the killing of animals, and quotes Sage Vyasa. However, he makes a distinction that the killing of animals is acceptable in a sacrifice, and cites how Sage Agastya could lawfully hunt as he anointed an entire forest (with holy water).
The Types of Hawks and Falcons
In the Fourth Chapter, the book lists various types of hawks and falcons and describes their attributes.
There are two raptor types:
Black Eyed
- Pakshakalika - Hobby Falcon (not an actual Falcon species)
Yellow Eyed
There are 8 types, but within that there are more.
Note that the Sanskrit word is “pATAla” meaning pink, not yellow.
I translted it as pink but a formal translation did it as yellow. Truth is that some hawks eyes start yellow and turn into a deep red colour.
Balaka: some type of goshawk
Cakravaka: some type of goshawk
Kalaka: Black Gyrfalcon
Hamsavaja: White Gyrfalcon
Auranga
Dhavana
Prasthana
Shikara
* Note that the male individuals are called puMvyaktiH.
* The identity of the birds I got from the Elfrune Linke dictionary: https://www.jstor.org/stable/41694943?seq=19
The Best Qualities of Each Type:
The Vasa birds have a sweet voice and are blessed. The Vajas are mute but beautiful. The Balaka birds are easily subdued between the two thighs. The Kalaka is distinguished in gaining trust and being indifferent when manned. The Auranga birds come in many colors and have diverse movements.
The Hamsavaja is white as snow and is revered. Wherever that falcon is said to be venerated, that place shall become blessed. By merely touching them they are said to cure certain illnesses. They must be protected and not harassed
The Maharavana is known for its loud sound and is the most meritorious of the birds. It can make flocks of birds cry out in fear. Or a flock of these birds make a great sound.
I shall present chapters 4-6 of the Shyanika Shastra.
Dealing with Raptors
King Rudradeva compares training a falcon or hawk to how a king rules his kingdom. In short: One must gain trust and assess temperament, good behavior must be rewarded, and bad behavior must be discouraged.
The taming of a raptor is known as Manning. Falcons and Hawks were captured while they were resting perched. Their eyes are sewn shut for five days and kept in isolation in silence. The falconer every couple of days carries a lamp to the falcon and opens its eyes and washes them with cool water. While doing so he may pet, pamper, and console them with words. Meat and water are also given to them. The birds should be manned at this point.
Rudradeva says that the falconer must know if a bird is manned through its behaviour. He lists the following signs:
If they show any behavior otherwise, then they are considered Unmanned. These birds were brought to obedience a bit forcefull. Ffor example, by tugging them with the hand. If the bird bites the trainer, then it is fed stones and the internal pain should bring it to obedience (Black Eyed Falcons).
Training the Birds
Rudradeva then says that the falconer should train the raptors to catch finches and pigeons. He lists signs to show that the birds are successfully trained:
- The birds return to the falconer upon calling without delay and nor flying astray.
- Neither do they need to be lured with meat nor with rope.
When this is done, the falconer increases the training ground range and releases the birds in groups of 2 or 3. Calling can be brought about with a cloth or rope. If a bird returns upon being called, food is rewarded as encouragement. Disobedience is censured with words, or with wealth?(artha). The last bit was difficult for me to translate.
Maintenance
The falcons and hawks cannot bear the scorching sun of the Summer season (Grishma). They lose their natural inimicality and lose their cheer. Hence efforts are made to keep the falcons cool.
They are placed on the palace crest, or a high top of a building, on which a smooth plaster is painted to cool the structure. People kept at a distance with hand fans would fan the birds while cool water is sprayed from a mechanical contrivance.
Or they are kept in a net in an Akshika Tree. Likewise in an altar of a protected garden. That garden must be surrounded with water and have tender Cuscus grass and young shoots of barely.
Interestingly, they can also be kept in an underground room provided it is ventilated and lacks mosquitoes and has enough space. Many can be kept there, but also they must be kept there in pairs.
Falcons are said to molt in the very wet rainy reason. Eventually they do regrow their plumage. The falconer must ensure that through that time the birds are well cared for. In the case the bird doesn’t molt, he may (according to some people) feed it chameleon meat. Rudradeva mentions how foreign races would use a black substance on the birds derived from cows and buffalos, and abhors such practice as its gory and can hinder the swiftness of the birds.
Diet
The birds were fed a diet of flesh (Amisha). Different falcons get different servings of flesh, and these servings are measured in scoops, or in Snaskrit tanka.
Shaheen Falcon (Kuhi): 25 Scoops
Saker Falcon (Caraka): 25 Scoops
Perigrine Falcon (Vahari): 25 Scoops
Vasas: 23 Scoops
Vajas (Sparrow Hawks): 23 Scoops
Culaka: 23 Scoops
The male individuals must be fed this amount twice:
Juras (Male Vaja) : 8 scoops twice
Cetas (Mela Sparrow Hawk): 7 scoops twice
Dhutis (Male Besra): 6 scoops twice
Meat must not be stale and the birds should get cold water for drinking daily. As the falcons and hawks mature, the portion size must be increased accordingly. Pots with cool water should be placed in front for bathing.
Diseases and Veterinary Care
King Rudradeva goes on to describe the disease these birds succumb to and what type of cures the falconer must prepare. One such disease amongst the birds was Shakha, and birds with these diseases are called Shakhin.
The Shakha disease is divided into four types:
Pittaja: Bile disease
Shelshmaja: Phlegm Disease
Kshainyaja: Wasting away of the body (very difficult to cure)
Ghataja: Bodily injury
Remedies included the use of many natural herbs and of course meat. In some cases milk, butter, and even urine and cannabis (hemp) was used. Rudradeva also mentions that sometimes a pill must be made of the medicinal ingredients. Many times these mixtures of medicine are given in conjunction to meat and or water.
Below are two passages that give examples of treatments that Rudradeva describes:
Shyainika Sashtra 5.47-48
“In the case of Pittaja, properly a pill with camphor, cloves, vetiver grass, sandalwood, and along with meat must be given before the meat (or in front of the meat). In the following month, a little must be given from eggplant and alike, along with water.”
Shayinika Sashtra 5.56-58
“Three weeks are enjoined to all those with the Shakha disease. Long pepper, turmeric, and Gum Myrrh, Mimayi, Svarji, Patala: The powder of these which is strained through a cloth and is enjoined with the milk of a She-goat is to be given with meat to those with the Shakha disease for 21 days. Powder of the bark of the root of the Drumstick tree is mixed with the milk of the Arka Plant. Weekly this must be given with meat to all those afflicted with the Shakha disease.”
Sanskrit Falconry Terms
Before proceeding, let us see what the falconry terms that Rudradeva uses are in Sanskrit.
Release of a Falcon: moka
Target/Quarry: lakshya ]
Molting: Pakshamoksha
Manned: Rakta
Unmanned: Virakta
Searching: Margana
Landing: nipatanam
Upward Approach (Attack): urddhvakranti
Level Approach (Attack): Samakranti
Downward Approach (Attack) (stoop): Nicakranti
Falconry Sporting Event
Once the training is complete, and all the birds are in excellent condition, an entire sporting event is arranged. Rudradeva recommends this to be done in the Autumn season (Sharad), somewhere right before nightfall or at least in the later part of the day. Whatever is the case, King Rudradeva recommends that the sun should be covered by clouds and to the back of the person. The sport is done in a mountain valley, and it is recommended that the foot soldiers be station to guard the mountain passes. The king goes with an ornate entourage of soldiers and horsemen, along with the falcon carriers.
21 horsemen gather around in a circle leaving an arm span of space between.
In the middle there is the lead falconer flanked on both sides by 2 soldiers.
The lead falconer is with train servants who hold the hawks till it is their time to fly.
Like this, several circles can be made, separated by a league of distance.
But in the circle in which the King is in, the hawk shouldn't be thrown at all without the King’s order.
For the show, Rudradeva gives recommendations of which raptors to use to catch which type of animal.
For quails and such birds, Tonas and Dhutikas are recommended, using Fist Release method (Mustimoka). Male Chakras used for the Kecuka birds. Shaheen Falcon for storks and cranes Peregrine Falcons for cranes and gallinules. Sakers are known for capturing a baby deer Shaheen and alike were used for catching webbed feet birds near ponds or lakes. Vajas were used for Viraja birds. Birds belonging to the Vaja class are seen as the most superior especially due to their daringness and power and swiftness.
Once the spectacle was over, a search party for the falcons had to be conducted.To search level terrain, horsemen were employed. For dangerous (uneven) terrain, foot soldiers were employed. On mountain peaks, dogs were employed.
Translation of the Shyanika Sashtra:
So now that I summarized my research, I will post my translation of the book’s fourth, fifth, and 6th chapter. I should mention that Chapters 4 and 5 are of my own translation, which was difficult. I got stuck on chapter 6. But eventually, I came across an existing translation of the book, which rendered my effort pointless. However, I had all of chapter 4 and 5 translated and that is what you will end up reading. Admittedly I did refine those translations based on the existing translation. The translation for chapter 6 is largely derived from the existing translation. I chose to still make my own translation even if it was based on someone else’s translation just so I can practice translating Sanskrit. The more formal translation of the entire Shyainika Shastra can be found here: https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.345223/page/19/mode/2up?view=theater So here is the trnaslation of book's 4th, 5th, and 6th Chapters, the parts highlighted in yellow are the ones that I had trouble translating:
Chapter 4:
1. The perfection that comes from the practice of releasing hawks (moka) is attributed from the qualities of a falconer. With the tactics beginning from confidence, that which is prescribed is enumerated.
2. By the breaking of the fist, releasing of a hawk is said to be two fold, where by all fingers there is pressing of the foot fetter of the hawk.
3. The Hawk-Release made for a manner is said to be Hand-Release. Amongst the raptors beginning from KuhI (Shaheen Falcon) this is declared, and also amongst the Vasa hawks (Sparrow Hawk) it is praised.
4. Having fixed the Release from a cloth upon the palm of the hand, as per the strength, the unattached discharge is praised as Fist-Release.
5.Unattached, light and merry is this which is following from what precedes suddenly. The two fold releasing of the hawk is approved far and far and gradually.
6.Foremost, gaining their (the hawks’) confidence appropriately is here told. At the beginning, the learned one shall open (or close) the two eyes with a suture.
7.Just as he shall not see the face, or just as with every head, and shall not make it hear a sound for five days.
8.Thereafter, every few nights, with a lamp (followed by other things) in sight, having opened the eyes, he shall wash them in cool and pleasing water.
9. He shall make it, little by little, become accustomed and make it listen to words gradually by touching it with his hand and by pamperings using words.
10. In the isolation time, by giving it water and flesh and with consolations, with the shadow, heat, and tranquilizing substances, gradually by eye releasings.
11. Having been Manned or Unmanned, it is to be known to them with gestures, when they stand on one foot after closing its two eyes.
12.There is scratching with its beak and shaking between its two wings. In the gaze of the face, they induce a pleasant view.
13.Then those are to be known as Manned but otherwise though, those (are to be known as) Unmanned.
14. Gradually he shall increase the (training) field and call them in pairs or in groups of three, when in the calling they make no delay nor oblique gait (when they don’t delay in returning or fly about undisciplined).
15. Nor in that manner luring from meat, then he calls without rope. Then having released (the hawks) on top of a tree he shall gradually call them.
16.He shall properly make them capture birds beginning from finches and pigeons again for the remembrance that comes from Samskaras of those preceding. (Making them remember what they ingrained from training).
17. By this gradual progress, those which may not be tamed are with great wakefulness. With endless use of the hands and by tugging, he shall bring about obedience.
18. They have suitable birth (born well) for pleasure and believed to have action. Thus I will speak about the distinctions between individual types of hawks..
19. Black Eyes and Pink Eyed are among two distinguished types. And their other respective differences are also marked variously.
20. In their name, they are told between the two principle types of the species. Thus there are Kuhi, sashada, caraka, vahari, lagaras.
21. Likewise there are the PakSakalika and in that manner the Turumuti and so forth, the male individuals, their numbers are a group born from the Black Eyes species.
22. This meal of Prey and water is possible by great wakefulness. In that manner, in the event of biting of anything starting with the hand, reviling with stones in the mouth is fit to be done (feed stones if the falcon bites the trainer).
23. Immediately the confidence is born to its eye. But from that, having enjoined the inside (of the bird) with pain, he properly leads it to obedience.
24.He can bring about calling with a wing binding or by cloth (bird with tied up wings jumps onto hand of falconer)). In the (bird) which is arriven, food is to be given just as the hope is not frustrated. (make sure that the bird doesn;t lose hope by rewarding it with food).
25.By punishment using words, and by corporeal punishment, and by some reassurance, the bad ones are put into self restraint (obedience) just as this group?
26. But the one which is well nurtured which greatly attracted partakes of rebelliousness and inability, just as the inferior in that manner this group.
27. By gifts which are means to increase hope, as per the action, they become manned like a coloring room by wages.
28. In calling them from afar, in their distant flight, in their stopping of heavy targets, this second group is praised and is accounted now.
29. “Patram” and “Vajaschada” thus are the synonymous ways of saying. Those become to the birds in common as swiftness.
30. Just as in Ashvatthama, Karna, Bhishma, Partha, and Rukmini, there is naming in Arjuna from distinguishedness in terms of common ambidexterity.
31. In that manner, in terms of swiftness that is common to all birds, in the hawk is the word “pAtri” or “Vajin” is the distinguishing expresser.
32. Vaja, Vasa, Vesara, Sicana thus fourfold. Jura, Ceta, Dhutituna, in that manner are the male individuals as of now.
33. In both of these groups, these females have the excellent superiority, in totality, in boldness, in value, in excellence. And those beginning from Vaja (the species mentioned) are declared in the male sex from that superiority (males have the eminence in the Vaja class).
34. The Vajins are five fold. Their individual qualities are said. Slender form, eyes of a youthful woman, and feathered black and white. (Balaka)
35. It is said to become easily subdued in the limb and likewise amidst the two thighs. The one which has the build of a Cakravaka is declared to be Cakranga.
36. Pendulous with a black build and resembles a sandal/lotus is remembered as the Kalaka. After a long time, it will gain trust and even become indifferent when well Manned
37. The one which is snow bright in all of the body is declared as Hamsavaja. Wherever that worshiped one may stay, well-fare is born there.
38. One may protect it with effort and should not enjoin it in humming. By its touch the four and more fold illnesses disappear.
39. The one to which occurs streak(s) with the resemblance of the petals/leaves of the Ashvattha plant on its tail and feather, is the king of the Vaja class, is having the name Maharavana.
40. That (name) is obtained admirably with heaps of great merit. From the roar of a flock of these (other) birds it is called Maharavana.
41. Aurangana, Dhavana, Prathisthana, likewise Sikara are said to be the fourfold class of Vasa hawks.
42. Auranganas are manifold and also diverse. In terms of walking and boldness and also with different colors as per each individual.
43. Dhavanas are of minute bodies, delicate, and more swift. The Prathisthanas are almost like petals, inferior in speed and in boldness.
44. They are without disease and having compact muscle and whose existence is in Vaja desha (hawk country). According to colour, they are remembered as Whitish, Tawny, and Blackish.
45. Well behaved, fast, savage, are the violently bold Sikaras. Like a ?Cyotanta? From the two eyes a thick fluid (like nectar) by the charm of their physique.
46. Those, endowed with studious refinement, are obtained by the very skillful. One shall not harass nor caress them with watchful gazes.
47. One shall employ those which are raised in hunting for the joy of the mind. To them the Vesaras are named threefold.
48. The weighty one is inferior and is Manika, but the middle one is Culikanka. However, the purest one in its excessiveness in wings and in its boldness is the Vasapratima (with the resemblance of a the Vasa type).
49. In accordance with the regional personality, the diverse Sicanas are remembered by the (falconer) to be of birth in many countries and with manifold physiques and lifestyles .
50. And even the male individuals by their qualities are marked by the form. The don’t become shown from growing fear.
51. The head with a form of a cobra hood is praised and likewise their neck is extolled. One observes their two wing pits (where wings attach to the body), and the large chest of all birds.
52. And the two pipes like that round and in good bonds. The two claws are thought of as having a tight grasp but with the fingers spread such that it is still the joints. (imagine the bird spreads its fingers out.)
53. And with two haughty talons, their seating is in the form of a Swastika. For understanding, these are their common attributes.
54. The Vasa is sweet-voiced and blessed, the Vajin is mute and very beautiful. The Kuhi who has a throat is from the end of the ears and has a silver form.
55. Those hawks who are nourished with wing care and are delighted by caressing become for the gain of desire like a good minister.
56. Only one who carries a bowl or one who knows the ways of the kingdom’s policy knows that glory in skill and intellect is not equal to a teacher.
57. Where there is obtained tranquility or thinking about the unobtained. Properly, the drawing of the wicked ones and the nourishing of the well-behaved ones.
58. Increasing of enthusiasm by fulfilling the desires of accomplished ones. Always pleasing and protecting and overseeing the tamed and untamed.
59. Trusting and distrust, determining the behavior of the eyes, knowing between the feasible and the means (of feasibility) and examining what is possible and impossible.
60. Having known in the suitable one in that manner the desisting from the suitable. Thus are the overlaid qualities which are shown in the Dharma of a king.
61. There those are discerned in the science of hawks by the wise. As per the chance, in the beginning of a dance the Rasas are constructed.
62. ?Thus by the conception of initial manifold Rasas it is deep, by the easy servableness beginning with ApAmara it is understandable. ?
63, Those who have the desires of hunting, let them study this composition on falconry in a condensed manner.
Thus in the Shyainika Sashtra of Srirudradeva the discussion of hawks is the fourth chapter.
Chapter 5:
1. The measuring of the amount of their food is now said. The seasonal occupation, likewise examining for diseases and restraint as well.
2. The Vajas birds and Kuhis and Carakas and of the Vaharis shall have a measure of clean flesh by 25 scoops.
3. Shashardas (hare eaters) are not worthy of small measures, even in violation they are tolerating. But by the measure of species, their prescriptions and play are dear to us.
4. He shall employ five less to those male individuals (20 scoops). From the small tone of the wings thereafter shall become five less.
5. Two less to the Vasa falcons. But again he shall order two less to the pure Vesara falcons. The aforementioned amount to the Culaka hakws.
6. Those measures are prepared for the Sicana hawks as per the comfort.
7. However, in that manner, the portions are prepared by 9 scoops for the Turumunti raptors. Of the Ceta, Tona, Dhuti raptors, they are successively less by one, two, three (respectively).
8. He shall prepare this measure twice and distribute it amongst them, just like the amount of food by income and just like the qualified to the work.
9. ?Even Kalapata is approved, prepares for irritation by a string?In that manner, Kalapata is not approved in meals.?
10. He shall examine any inequality and defect of the portions. In Hunting, these portions are declared as belonging to the suitable (birds used for hunting).
11. In the most excellent Dhavani plant, he shall prepare the portion for the freeing of the wings. In the season of Grishma, The directions are heated by the heat of the fierce sun in the season of Grishma.
12. And indeed those trees with shriveled leaves don’t appear unprotected/isolated. The winds of the rainy season which are turbid with the misty waters blow from everywhere.
13. And as if cooked in milk, the rivers flood. Here, by that the animals are with Rasas which are unpleasant to touch like heated sand. As if they are sick, they are characterized as without enmity and having their cheer gone.
14. The birds cry with the compassionate notes of “taratara”, especially those gathered on rocks cleansed by a flowing river.
15. They are overspread on minute tender grass resembling broken sapphire, and have the flowing pine sap fragrant winds.
16. Those to which the valley of the Himalayan mountain are acquainted, the Grishma, resembling a forest fire, becomes intolerable to them.
17. Hence, he shall employ a treatment that is soothing the heat on the plastered white bellied, palace crest.
18. Amidst wind generated by people from afar with hand fans, and cooled by watery essence which is freed by a machine (and flows) to the end.
19. He shall enjoin the work of keeping (the birds) involving a net covering in an AkSika tree or in a good altar of a garden that is protected by good guardians.
20. In the coolness of water of a flowing creek/canal which is devoid of the wandering rays of the run due to thick large plants (Arjuna tree?).
21. Now, on all sides, (the water ) is fragrant from water spread out by the Cuscus grass and adorned by shaven sprung up barley shoots.
22. Confinement is desired in an underground chamber that is pleasurable and has no mosquitoes. The place is producing pleasure to the eye and is satiating to the nose.
23. But he shall construct it to be having following wind and leisurely (with opportunity to move around). Many of them, as in more than one, are to be kept (there), and they are to be kept separately in pairs.
24. He should show them well-cold water daily, and not meat that has sat out for a long time which belongs to the birds beginning from the Vajas and those beginning from the finches .
25. Light rice (or any thing tasting tonic) must be given. Just as he may develop (or just as the falcon matures), accordingly, for their nourishment he should now increase their portion very slowly.
26. For their bath, he shall put in front pots full of water. If they may vomit up the eaten meat, then their medicine is:
27. Fenugreek powder with butter (made from milk) of a She-Buffalo is desired. If he may not change their food then meat is to be given. (Or he may not change their food, if it must be given then it is meat).
28. And for their soothing, (the meat is) recently taken and sprinkled with wine and water and enjoined with camphor water is to be given, or alternatively Marking Nut powder.
29. Or else thereafter he shall make them drink heated water mixed with extract of the Cannabis. Properly the propriety is excessive so as they may not be afraid. If they may revere the Karshya plant, then it is coupled with the milk of a women.
30. Alternatively, it is desired that meat with butter (from the milk) of a cow is to be given. For the eagerness of hunger with clove or again with urine of a man.
31. Gradually indeed he will strengthen them, having set the growth from hunger, by consistently increasings the portions and with cool treatments.
32. Now amidst the thunder of the clouds which are illuminated by the light of lightning, and amidst the joy from the fragrance produced by the Malati plant (Jasmine), of all bodies.
33. amidst the sound of the howling clouds, amidst the dance done by a peacock, and amidst the perverse fragrance of the Kadamba tree, the wind blows from all sides.
34. Amidst the incursive flooding of filth of river water, and amidst the chattering of cricket murmurs, and in such time of the arriven the rainy season,
35. But indeed in that manner, he shall nurse them so as those nurtured ones having casted off their own wings (Molting), they may swiftly assume new (forms) like snakes with the skin
36. If they may pass (a long) time for Molting, in one (view), they understand that chameleon meat for (improving) Molting.
37. The races of Mlecchas give a black substance of Cows,She-buffaloes, etc. This is not approved out of the cruelty and out of the impedance of swiftness.
38. If worms agitate the wings, then medicine. He shall apply with equal shares of Musk, Marking Nut, along with False Black pepper (Vidanga).
39. A measure of two Rattis of salt to the heavy birds, but to the lighter birds, half a Rattika along with meat for three days
40. By those who know that (treatment of the birds), the well trained raptors become givers of delight. Hence, from the firstly seen disease, for the reason of the failure of men’s happiness.
41. Even diseases become of them here, and from that for soothing, briefly I will speak to the unrestrained, the sequence of herbs.
42. The fourfold behavior involving distressful breathing is told of as the disease “Shakha”. One which is appearing injured having not created a connection (shleSa) is Pittaja (bile disease).
43. Of those affiliated by the disease Shakha, there is thus the anguished KSainyajanya (KSainyaja), but is curable with difficulty in dark solitude.
44. An exceedingly small place is desired. He puts the meat together with water. In the case of Gataja (disease caused by striking), meat united with Gum-Myrrh is to be given on the affected body part.
45. Moistening may cover the turmeric with stale water. In Sleshmaja, He shall try Plaksha plant and pepper power in the nose.
46. Meat enjoined with powder of the skin of the Drumstick plant is to be given. He shall make them drink heated water. However, for the quelling of their calamity, musk must also be given.
47. In Pittaja, properly a pill with camphor, cloves, vetiver grass, sandalwood, and along with meat must be given before the meat (or in front of the meat).
48. In the following month, a little must be given from those starting with the eggplant along with water. The aforementioned Kshainyaja is unbearable, even then it is expelled.
49, Allegedly, in the remaining, even well employed actions from health/life become fruitful. The flesh of the bird beginning from finches, sprinkled with human blood is approved.
50. ?Alternatively, he shall use simultaneously hen sparrow, or that of a hog little by little, must be utilized as per the strength (of the birds).
51. And the meat of the birds mixed with butter (from the milk) of a cow. And he may properly give heated water. Then he must make them drink (all) that.
52. He may put water enjoined with camphor from time to time. Now the approval of these afflicted by the Shakha disease….[must translate].
53. The heavy Black Eyed birds may have a triad of Rattikas. But he shall prepare the portion of those (birds) which are small to be half of that.
54. The portion of the heavy Pink Eyed birds is remembered to be of two Rosary Peas (or worth that amount). But the smaller birds have one portion of the Rosary Peas and in medicine.
55. He shall enjoin with meat the breast milk mixed with the extract of Cannabis. An AkSini may mark constantly with cumins chewed by the teeth.
56. Three weeks are enjoined to all those with the Shakha disease. Long pepper, turmeric, and Gum Myrrh, Mimayi, Svarji, Patala:
57. The powder of these which is strained through a cloth and is enjoined with the milk of a She-goat is to be given with meat to those with the Shakha disease for 21 days.
58. Powder of the bark of the root of the Drumstick tree is mixed with the milk of the Arka Plant. Weekly this must be given with meat to all those afflicted with the Shakha disease.
59. From the heat and from the smoke and from the Ghata, the flowers fall between the two eyes. He shall fill the two eyes with tender powder of the root of the Wood Sorrel plant.
60. The falcons are freed by the flowers (or freed from the flowers) by 18 days. Or there are the turmeric and Neem leaves and pepper (to use).
61. And after placing the globule with equally mixed amounts of Yellow Myrobalan, the Fig, the Purple Nut Sedge (Cyperus Rotundus), and with goat urine, which was dried in the shade (the gobule).
62. In the Patala flower, having enjoined it with honey conjoined with breast milk. The globule destroyes (the disease) just as something built (is destroyed) by Rudra.
63. From fault in the food and water and from the excess of bile, swelling is produced in the two eyes and in that manner an unbearable ulcer in the mouth.
64. From the excess of Phlegm, difficulty curable diseases occur. The powder of a milky creeper is mixed with the sesame oil.
65. In Purvaja, it is to be given with meat. Ointment is also approved. But in Sleshmaja, it is to be given in the head pierced by a hot iron pin.
66. In a mouth ulcer, meat mixed with human urine is approved.Then, the deed of washing to purify the mouth also.
67. From the enjoinment to the difficulties of confinement, from fear, and from flying repeatedly, ulcerated swelling occurs on the two feet and is called Gardhabhi.
68. That which occurs on the two feet from flying for a long time is called Candi. Having mixed (the aforementioned remedy) in milk consisting of Fig and Udumabara, he shall anoint that.
69. For the quelling of Gardhabi, (apply that) everyday for 7 days on the two feet. They shall get quelled or again with ointment of feces.
70. But having made a leech enjoined in turmeric and salt fall, and having smeared that perspiring (leech) with butter, he shall wrap it around with cloth.
71. Having opened that up in three days he shall anoint again. Evidently in 12 days the Candi disease is forgone by the ointment.
72. Per strength and complexion in a strike, the one which is pondering and is marked, its medicine which must be given is going to be said promptly.
73. In two days, having mixed Blue Vitrol, the Bhargi plant, the Madana plant (or bees wax) which is produced from the sun, and milk in ghee with meat all together…
74. ..that is to be given as per the portion for uptill three days. From meat that is of bad illness, putrified, and stale…
75. ..many types of worms are seen. He shall mix in that (concoction mentioned just before) by two parts the Vidanga plant and per one part Musk (kasturi).
76. Having mixed them, he shall properly make them drink that for the quelling of their disease. From the fear, nits and louses fall of those which are unbathed.
77. For their (nits and louses) destruction, the dust sprinkling with the power of the long pepper is encouraged. Having crushed the bark of the wood apple tree root , along with cow urine water…
78. ..from that ointment indeed are the louses and nits destroyed, there is no doubt.
79. Thus having observed the birds with freedom from disease nurtured by with these aforementioned healthy treatments which are managed and adequetely well disposed, he may take them to Hunting.
80. Thus in this is Shyainika Sashtra composed by Shri Rudradeva, the fifth chapter, on the medicinal right.Chapter 6:
1. Now having characterized those cheerful and nurtured, by those spoken before starting from health and regarding nutrition, as adorned with new plumage..
2...which are adorned by the two wing pits which resemble a sapphire jewel (in luster) as if with an ornament of pearls, and marked with lines on the sides of the thigh region,
3. And resembling a freed snake and subjected to a Jess (ribbon rope), and made tawny like a neck jewel and foot pearl?
4. But having made them jingling with the sound of foot anklets again on a good day, having placed blood in the aforementioned manner, he shall call them again.
5. For their understanding of the previous instincts amongst the birds fastened to ropes, the one skilled in the protection of birds shall teach them.
6. Whatever raptors are obtained perched in a resting place and are before cherished in captivity, those are lacking the imprints of training in the striking of birds….
7. ..and the wise one shall train them many times by increasings of the flight from a cloth-ribbon. Like a good student, those raptors grasp the training immediately.
8. Just like to the winds, improper action is not known to the well trained raptors. Nothing is impossible amongst suitable objects.
9. Young men with nice earrings and elegantly clad and trained may carry them every day in various ways.
10. Having marked the purity of the training (if the training was effective), the king then goes out to see amusement on the day proclaimed for Hunting.
11. From the first quarter of the nighy to the morning(sharanmeghaiH) amidst the sun covered by the moving autumn clouds that possess the morning,
12. Multiple troops marched out far keeping other paths restrained, himself (the king) is a mostly surrounded by selected few warriors who are famous.
13. He is with horses sharp ones with united movement contrived in bridle ropes which are with the trust of the walking arrangement of the sound of drums.
14. The king is being carried on his own enjoined with falcon carriers and good horses, amidst the shadow of mountains as per the time and not sleepy.
15. But alternatively, in the remaining quarter of the day, he may go Hunting, amidst the time of autumn (sharat), having made the sun to the back, is dear to us.
16. If having the Hunt in the valley, then he shall make a troop of foot soldiers march on all sides inside the interior of the mountain valley.
17. After flying, those who are situated there should see on all sides, the landing of the birds elsewhere and grounds where they may have settled after
18. The horsemen shall have the expansion in the searching on level terrain. But on dangerous terrain the foot soldiers shall have it. Again dogs shall have it on the mountain peak.
19. In the middle there is the hawk bearing leader, and on both flanks, two soldiers. A circle with a mass of 21 horses is declared.
20. The left side is giving view to the leading falconer such that there is opportunity for a Vyama in measure (space measuring one Vyama must be given). By the same part, between both sides (or by a part equal to both sides), the people situated in the circle shall walk.
21. From the east, the falconer should release at the northeast; the falconer by whom both die may not have distress from the unnoticed (spectacle).
22. Now the one who has many raptors and likewise horsemen, he shall make individual circles march on all direction.
23. The soldier with an unwavering state (order following) situated in the middle of the circle of the king cannot release without an order even in a near target.
24. But ina circle, one Bahari, as well as one Kuhi, and three vAjikas, five and six of the Vasas. The order in the releasing of the hawks is foresaid.
25. From many leagues he shall make them carry an individual circle from his own circle such that distress may not occur from the mixing of those headed by the Kuhi falcons and those headed by Vasa falcons. (multiple circles, but separated by a great distance)
26. But before, the swords are to be made unsheathed and the powers must be upheld on all sides for the terrorizing of the forest animal, i.e. rabbits and so forth,.
27. All over, many birds are to be kept by those accomplished, time knowing (watching the time?) entourages of the mighty falconer.
28. In the searching, a slow urging to move is always desired. In the seeking done after the discharge (of the birds), a slow one is even more desired.
29. Pointed in the front of the horsemen, those which are staff-bearering may cast the Dhutika birds and those beginning from Tona by Fist-Release amidst quails and such.
30. Amidst the oblique flying, they are with unnoticeable motion out of the fastness. From the capturing inferred by the bird warbling, they are bestowing a tasteful enrichment.
31. If the king in whose heart is thrown the savour of the spectacle may play with them, then that is to occur carefully by those staff-bearers who know that (art of falconry)..
32. .With those doing the staff striking on all sides,the slow moving (horsemen) may lift up those starting from striking and they may bring near those movements.
33. And wherever a bird fallen one time may not fly up, he shall get rid of them after chasing them with a leashed dog there.
34. “It must be watched by by the lord who is paying attention“ thus by more of such sweet talk, they must make the king aware.
35. Now, in the case of Stork and in the case of a Crane, the release with a KuhI is bringing an emotion of fury, like between the two mountains with slopes/sides wherever there is pursuit.
36. Having fallen down, the cooing with a the sound of “kren” due to the slandering by the talons, a furious violence of striking by the fierce recoiling beak
37. But in the case the target is of the far gone Cranes and Gallinules, the releasing of the Hawk with the Bahari generates fabulous emotion.
38. And wherever those birds terrified by the sound of the fast wind fall, with a form of a mountain with cut wings , from that what a wonder?!
39. Having taken a baby dear and eating it, the unavoidable Carakha produces enough disgust.
40. From the swiftness of the wings of the birds starting with Tona, the indolent birds starting with Kecuka which are wrapped up in the middle of the garden/lower jaw show terror.
41. A much hidden sky- lark again pattering very diversely go to noticeability, and it easily causes an emotion of laughter.
42. There are speeches (of the larks) amidst those hidden and troubled with fear and are (yet) noticeable. The use of pellet projectives is to be done now by the one with wonder as his purpose (of attending the event).
43. From a distance, the diligent swift Vaja raptor falling amidst the targets and performing the capturing causes the emotion of warriordom amidst the deed of killing.
44. The Upward Strike, Level Strike, Downward Strike (stoop), are thus threefold things of the birds. They are said to be increasing emotion in the Vaja birds’ capturing of the Varajas.
45. The shadow maker having concealed itself below in the target that is moving above and having flown up like an arrow, from that striking the Upward Strike is carrying emotions.
46. Or again from the chase on the same altitude, by the visible or invisible hawk and the falling like a staff onto the target is equally thought of as Level Strike.
47. In the event of following that which is below, from the fear from above, like a lightning, the falling from fury onto the target, that Downward Strike is well difficult.
48. Frequently from the following of their target, and from their running about, and from the confidence, the Vajas have gone to superiority amongst the birds.
49. Having flown up with the fallings, and having captured with the down toppelings (of the birds), like wrestlers, they forcibly captivate the mind of the clever ones.
50. Wherever there is cooing from all sides in a single subjugation of those made to traverse in pair, there the mournful emotion may become a new.
51. In the leader, two fold of resonant romance is seen. A form of enjoyment in the case the target is obtained. And likewise the other is in the case the target is not obtained.
52. As truth is displayed by the those who have opportunistic goosebump causing delights and the tear post stammerings and are being with a diversity of anxious chattering,
53. Even from the enjoyment of women, the emotion in the Hunting is distinguished. That by which the husband of she with the eyes of a antelope, that enough brings him to obedience (the husbands are lured away from women).
54. Having cherished a girl embracing the neck even amidst the winter nights, men may not do union if she may not become desirable.
55. Now the release of the Birds beginning with Vasa, by those honored who are retreated. Roughly the one who has an ordained embrace is attached to romance.
56. The Feathers of the birds fall from the sky in the capturing. They generate a perplexity akin to the heaps of flowers released by the delighted Indra.
57. Whatever is released in the innate target, at a large distance, again those Shikara birds don’t falter for the king, the vessels of those that speak perfectly.
58. The swiftness and alliance of the Shikara birds in groups of two and three, amidst the capturing of birds beginning with partridges, all that shall be pointed out by whom?
59. Also, in that manner, the one who followed with the previous procedure, shall make them (falconers) release bird beginning with Kuhi amongst webbed foot birds in ponds and lakes.
60. But release having occurred there, those birds which have mutually gone to confidence have (the release) approved in many directions for the trifling of poets.
61. The beating of Dundubhi drums must be done for the abandoning of the water of the birds (water birds), so as those raptors may take with delight those separated from their own place.
62. Supposedly, those emotions which are presented with the expansive worlds which have the happiness that comes from the bondage to a dance, having divided the time at one place, they may be seen not less, like those with equal love (for all), in the delight of hunting by the virtuous,
63. Thus in this is Shyainika Sashtra composed by Shri Rudradeva, the sixth chapter, on the procedure thus (called ) flighting of the raptors.
Image Sources:
Shaheen:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaheen_falcon#/media/File:Shaheen_falcon.jpg
Hawk Eagle:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changeable_hawk-eagle#/media/File:Changeable_Hawk_Eagle_Bandipur.jpg
Saker:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saker_falcon#/media/File:Falco_cherrug_(Marek_Szczepanek).jpg
Paragrine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peregrine_falcon#/media/File:Falco_peregrinus_m_Humber_Bay_Park_Toronto.jpg
Lugger:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/68/Laggar_Falcon_%28Falco_jugger%29.jpg
Hobby:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobby_(bird)#/media/File:Falco_subbuteo_NAUMANN.jpg
Merlin:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlin_(bird)#/media/File:Merlin_prey_fencepost_Cochrane_cropped.jpg
White Gyrfalcon:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrfalcon#/media/File:Falco_rusticolus_white_cropped.jpg
Sparrow Hawk:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_sparrowhawk#/media/File:Accipiter_nisus_Meneer_Zjeroen.jpg
Besra:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besra#/media/File:Besra_Sparrowhawk,_Wattegama,_Sri_Lanka.jpg
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