Spread across four continents, black kites are one of the commonest birds of prey in the world. Unlike other medium-sized raptors, they have resorted to scavenging in order to survive. They can be seen hovering over urban settlements across India, looking for food and shelter.
These majestic birds were also classified as Pariah Kites. But it isn’t an affectionate nickname. It’s just proof that we – as a nation – don’t just allow caste discrimination, we celebrate it
The word “pariah” stems from the caste system in India. It denotes “an outcast” or an “untouchable”. Its origin can be traced back to India during early 1600s when it was used to describe festival drummers (paraiyars). By genetic inheritance, these musicians belonged to subaltern communities. “Pariahs” were later re-branded as “Harijans”, and still subject to social, civil and economic oppression.
In 1955, through Article 17 of the Indian constitution, untouchability was abolished. But of course, it still exists. The burden of proof continues to remain with the accused. And oppression, like corruption, is intricately-woven into the fabric of our society. It will never go away.
What’s worse is that we decided to name a raptor based on this contemptuous disregard we have for one another. We have dragged in, unnecessarily, a feathered friend to an unfair fight.
It is with similar perverseness that the Red-Backed Sea Eagle, associated with Vishnu – a Hindu God, is referred to as the Brahminy Kite. The word “Brahmin” is used to describe a person who belongs to the highest (priestly) caste in south India.
Amrit, a blogger from Hyderabad, has written on other such birding nomenclatures – The All-Encompassing Nature of Caste
Recently I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Black Kite recently near my house. It was one of the very few times I had seen her perched upon a branch.
Even though she seemed troubled by the passing traffic and boisterous crows, she exuded the sort of grace that the laws of physics couldn’t contain. So gorgeous was her dark brown plumage, and so piercing yet warm – her eyes that a bit of sadness engulfed me.
Watching black kites haunt the evening skies is akin to reading My Grandmother’s House – a poem by Kamala Das – by a brook. It first jabs the soul across the cheek in an affectionate way before uppercutting its way into the brain. As they circle in unison – with the sun fading away, the heart peeks out, whistling a tune, to see what the fuss is all about.
Sorry, dear birdie, apparently it does matter to us whether you are black or white.
You soar, over
the clouds, as we sink,
gazing at the stars.
(Photographs: Chennai)
as always, you shake complacency from my mind with your provocative insights.
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And from my own hopefully through these confessionals! Thank you for finding them provocative, dear friend.
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Hi Christy! You got some great shots of the kite. That whole subject of caste leaves me scratching my head. Of course, I don’t see how we (humans) think of ourselves as better or somehow more deserving than any other species, just because our frontal cortex is bigger (and we have thumbs). I’m sure the kite is wondering why we picked all our feathers off.
Nice to see you are getting to do some birding, weather notwithstanding. Stay dry, my friend. 😀
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Thanks Shannonroo, she is a beau, isn’t she! I do not consider myself above casteism either. The fact that I have been alright with the social dynamics behind the household help system in my own community is testament to that. Oh we, earthlings, aren’t we just preciously destructive?
“Some” is the operative word, Shannon. The rains have kept them away from my life most of the time. Can’t wait for when it stops, for then winter migrants would pour from the skies!
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‘Migrants pouring from the sky.’ Now that would be a day to behold!
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Hmm. Maybe we should rename the Kookaburra the Capitalist Kingfisher, because it shits down on you and laughs.
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(Lemon tea nose spillage alert)
Hilarious!
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unfortunate that you are cornered into the position of thinking the caste system will never change. but though it may be more prominent in india, it is a ubiquitous problem, just that developed countries seem to hide it better than countries where the social problem of rank in society hasn’t infiltrated as deep into the mind set of the masses. for example, take england, though a person living on a council estate is essentially of the lower caste, they would never see themselves as beneath a rich (or as they’d say, “posh” person, probably with a swear word following “posh”), which gives them pride of place & even power. if only it was used to some benefit other than pride. .
great article. linking our social problems to nomenclatures was a brilliant observation.
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Ubiquitous indeed, kind sir. I m just unsure if the public treats equal opportunity with as much disdain as they do here. Perhaps those with (not in) power should realise that there are opportunities to capitalise upon to bring about change.
Thanks for reading, Daniel!
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Great Post. love all your logs.
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Thanks for reading, Mukul!
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welcome
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I am hoping that we won’t sink…
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We may not soar, but yes I’ll echo your sentiments – I hope we don’t sink.
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I am hopeful, some of us, good souls will find ways, reasons to soar…I hope and believe that you too will..
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After all, like Emily says, “Hope is the thing with feathers” (smile)
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And so, you should know more about ‘hope’.
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I was unaware of the connection till it dawned on me suddenly one fine day, this pariah was not an unknown, new word, but one based on parayars. 😦
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Same here Shail! I was told about it by a conservationist friend while spotting Brahminy mynahs at Vedanthangal. I asked him about the first name, which led a more detailed understanding.
Sigh indeed!
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Interesting thoughts on caste system and even naming the creatures.Looks like divide & rule policy likely to weaken the country.
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Doc, I believe that India’s “unity in diversity” shtick is a misnomer. The British went ahead and united the country through the railroad system in order to fuel their invasion tactics, not bring forth interstate harmony. Maybe our attempts to unite, by law, is fueling these wretched discriminatory systems in place. I just don’t know anymore!
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