Preface

Epics are the vast area of Sanskrit literature, which reflects the heritage of India and all the kinds of knowledge systems like administration, philosophy, moral thoughts, science and technology etc... The poetical narrations of physical nature or environment are highly influential and are one of the fundamental attractions in epic literature. In Sanskrit literature, depiction of ecology is common. In this respect Ramayana deals only with environment from beginning to end and Mahabharata deals the animals and birds as moral story characters. It not only narrates the beauty of environment but also the attitude of mankind towards the ecology and environment. It is essential to analyze and examine how the literary tradition represents the environment.

In the ancient works like Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Taittiriyasamhita, Chandogyopanishad, Carakasamhita, Sushrutasamhita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Kautilya’s Arthashastra Etc... It can be seen that various descriptions on the Zoological knowledge of our ancestors had. The Mahabharata period represents the highest reality of our culture, morality and development. There are many wonderful descriptions by different observers regarding Mahabharata showing us clearly how keen they were in the observance of Zoological facts. In Mahabharata the knowledge about the animals and birds is deep and very wide. They have been classified and sub-classified and their peculiar features, behavior and nature are very elaborately described. Comparing the knowledge of the ancient people with the facts of the modern scientific categorization is quite interesting and at the same times a very laborious task.

From ancient times man had domesticated animals and made them do many of his difficult tasks, after observing their characters and nature. The Zoological knowledge of man was not compiled in a single work of the past as is seen in the modern days in books of Zoology, but such knowledge can be seen scattered here and there in many of the ancient works.

In this study, a brief survey has been made about the animals and birds mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata in the background of Mrigapakshishastra of Hamsadeva, where the varieties of the animals and birds seen in the Ramayana and Mahabharata re-described and discussed. Through this the author endeavors to reveal the richness of the Sanskrit language in our culture and tradition. It is very important to know those things that give us greater understanding of the various animals and birds. When these ancient classics were written, the method followed was not scientific. Things are written on the basis of observations and experiences. Therefore the points of view could be vastly different from a scientific perspective. With our present knowledge about the animals and birds, it would be difficult to find out the various animals and birds described in them exactly.

This study will help to have a real picture of the life of the animals and birds seen during the Ramayana and Mahabharata periods. Therefore such studies are essential for understanding the animals and birds that existed in those days. We cannot assert that the Mrigapakshishastra of Hamsadeva is completely scientific. We can see that there the birds and animals are categorized not only on the basis of their physical features but also on their behavioral patterns.

The area of study on the Animal kingdom in the epics is vast. There are numerous assessments and studies about Animal kingdom in the Research field. But there is a tendency to situate Animals and birds as a mere literary tools only. Hence, the present thesis entitled Portrayal of Animal kingdom (Tiryacs) in Epics An Analytical study that tries to assess epics are eco related. The study is based entirely on Ramayana and Mahabharata. Through this, the study intends to analyze the animal kingdom with Mrigapakshishastra. This study does not carry over to the other branches of literature and not any other scientific texts.

Besides the preface and conclusion the study has been presented in six chapters. The first chapter Introduction analyses the epic literature, it’s characteristics, importance and relevance of the study of the epics, difference between epics and puranas...etc. Animal kingdom and Indian mythology is the second chapter which explains the origin of animal kingdom in the world according to Indian mythology, differentiates the mythical origin in the epics and puranas and mythical identities of animals as gods and vehicles.

The third chapter Bird and monkey identities depicted in the epics analyses the bird and animal characters which existed during the epic period. It contains a basic analysis of the characters immortality also. The fourth chapter Animals and birds in the epics and their zoological classifications analyses the portrayal of animals and birds in epic literature. It also studies about the varieties of animals and birds through the zoological work Mrigapakshishastra of Hamsadeva and analyses the varieties depicted in the epic with them.

The fifth chapter Serpant lore in the epics deals with the origin and description of Nagas. This study analyses with the origin of serpants, Ashtanaga concept...etc. The sixth chapter Portrayal of events and upakhyanas related to the Animal kingdom comprised of a study of the stories in the epics. This chapter studies the importance of Godana and it’s related ethics described in the Mahabharata and elaborately analyses the Ashvamedhakriya also.

Towards the end of the Study, a conclusion with the researcher’s findings based on the six chapters has been included. Selected Bibliography is also provided at the end. There is another section in the Appendix which includes the synonyms and pictures of the various varieties of animals and birds described in the Study.

Studying of Mrigapakshishastra has given me a vast opportunity in learning about ancient Zoology in Sanskrit literature. I am indebted to everyone who helped me to choose this topic as the subject of my research and thereafter, gave me all manner of support and guidance.

First of all, I would like to record my gratitude to Prof. Dr. P.K. Dharmarajan, Vice Chancellor and former Professor and Head of the Department of Sanskrit Sahitya SSUS, Kalady.

Much gratitude is also hereby recorded to Prof. C. Rajendran, Dean of faculty of Sanskrit Literature SSUS, Kalady and Prof. P.V. Ramankutty former Visiting Professor of Department of Sanskrit Sahitya SSUS, Kalady Sincere appreciation is also due to the former Head of the Department Prof. Dr. V.R. Muraleedharan, Head of the Department Prof. Dr. P.V. Narayanan and all other faculty members of the department. I have no words to express my gratitude for the immense support given to me by my guide Prof. Dr. K.V. Ajithkumar. His erudition and deep insight into the subject have been a constant source of inspiration and support to me from start to finish my research.

Special thanks are also due to the Zoology Teacher Sungadhi.V.R., HSST, Gov. Nalanda H.S.S., Kizhuppillikkara to give valuable information about the animal kingdom and for her classes on different areas on Zoology. Special thanks due to Prof. Ramakesvara Tiwari for his advices about ancient Zoological study. Special thanks are also due to the Chief Librarian and other staff of the library at SSUS, Kalady as well as to all non teaching staff who have give me their unstined support in this venture. I also wish to thank the staff and librarians of the Osmania University Campus, Hyderabad, Hyderabad University, Sanskrit Academy Hyderabad, Oriental Manusript library Osmania Univeristy campus, Oriental research Institute Mysore, Central Library of University of Calicut Library of government Sanskrit College Thrippunithura for their valuable assistance which has helped me in the data collection for the period of research.

The following personalities have also been immensely helpful to me in this endeavor and I wish to thank all of them. The emotional support provided by my friends each one special in his or her own way is gratefully remembered here. No other words can express my gratitude to my parents, sister and brother in law and to all members of my extended family, needless to say, whose supports has provided me success through the years of my research.