Peacock: The national bird of India

A feature article by Pragya Khanna, Oct 19, 2007         

Peacocks are large and majestic birds of the Indian-Asian region. These pheasants are found in dry forests, mostly in small groups containing of one male and several females. These large, brightly colored birds have a distinctive crest and an unmistakable ornate train. The train is formed by 100-150 highly specialized upper tail-coverts. Each of these feathers sports an ornamental ocellus, or eye-spot, and has long disintegrated barbs, giving the feathers a loose, fluffy look. When displaying to a female, the peacock erects this train into a spectacular fan, presenting the ocelli to their best advantage. In India people believe that whenever the cock spread its tails in an ornamental fashion, it indicates that rain is in the offing. In a way it is partly true. At the sight of dark clouds the bird outspreads its tail and starts dancing in rhythmic fashion. Most of the Indian folklore including Bharatha Natyam has got special dancing poses for the peacock dance. Peacocks are considered sacred in India and the significance of peacock is attached to different cultures of Far East, Ancient Persia, Greek and Christianity. As most of us now, in the Hindu tradition the peacock is the vahana (vehicle) of Kartikkeya, also known as Skanda the god of war who is a son of Lord Shiva. Kumari (shakti) rides a peacock in the entourage of the Goddess Durga. Its scientific name, pavo, derives from a Sanskrit appellation, Pavana that refers to the Hindu deity Vayu, the wind who is also the breath of life and the father of Hanuman ji. Lakshmi, wife of the Hindu god, Vishnu, sometimes is depicted with armbands in the form of peacocks. The birds are sacred to her since their cries are associated with the rainy season and hence, fertility. Krishna is also often depicted in the company of peacocks. In Asia, the feathers of the peacock are considered auspicious and protective. However in the European tradition, it used to be considered unlucky to keep them in the house. The reason for the superstition has something to do with the eye-like markings at the tips of the feathers which evoke the dreaded ‘evil eye’ of the demon. In north India its feathers may be burnt to ward off disease, and even to cure snakebite. In Greece, the peacock is believed to be sacred to Hera, the queen of heaven and lawful wife of Zeus -- a pair of them drew her chariot --, and they were kept at her temples. In the Roman Empire, peacocks depicted on coins symbolized the females of the ruling houses, the lineage princesses. Maha-Mayuri, is the Buddhist wisdom deity associated with the peacock who protects against calamity especially drought. In the old Chinese bureaucratic system, members of the third highest level displayed a peacock as the emblem of their rank. In Christianity, it stands for immortality and the incorruptibility of the soul. It is an apparent solar symbol, too, because of the resemblance between the rays of the sun and the circular fan of the tail in full display. In J.E. Cirlot’s ‘Dictionary of Symbols’, Ars Symbolica has been referred to as this blue-green bird that represents the blending of all the colours of the spectrum and hence, the idea of totality. Tibetan culture among many others also views green as the mixture of all hues. In 1963, the peacock was declared as the ‘National Bird of India’ because of its rich religious and celebrated involvement in Indian traditions. It symbolizes the qualities like beauty, elegance, pride, delight, spirituality and mysticism. The bird being well-distributed within the country is truly

ADVERTISEMENT:

considered the national bird. It is recognizable to the common man and is valued for its gorgeousness and magnificence. The elaborate courtship dance of the male, fanning out the tail and preening its feathers is a beautiful sight. In India, peacock is fully protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 not only for religious sentiments but also by parliamentary statute.

However, peacocks were and till date are much in demand for their beautiful feathers and even for their fat, which is mistakenly believed to be useful in the treatment of arthritis. Primarily poached for its feathers that are sold openly in India and abroad, peacock populations are plunging across India. Since the bird is our pride and national heritage, it is quite heart breaking that it has not been able to secure its future in the country. Let’s help it from being susceptible and vulnerable to such threats and save the royal bird, our legacy.

Email this page to a friend Display printer-friendly version Rate this item / View member comments Report irrelevant / inappropriate content Return to the Alumbo! home page