The Thinking Tiger
@krishbohra.bsky.social
Wildlife enthusiast🐅 History nerd🔍 Bibliophile 📚
I like chasing animals in history 🐾 ✍️
You may or may not know me from Twitter.
I like chasing animals in history 🐾 ✍️
You may or may not know me from Twitter.
Pinned
Dwindling Prides and Fading Roars: Indian Lion in the 19th Century
A brief look into the history of lions in 19th century India
medium.com
Happy World Wildlife Day!!
Once upon a time, lions were found in half of North India. Now they live in Gir alone. Knowing their history in 19th century helps us understand this decline. You can read my article here! 🦁🦁🦁
medium.com/@krish_bohra...
Once upon a time, lions were found in half of North India. Now they live in Gir alone. Knowing their history in 19th century helps us understand this decline. You can read my article here! 🦁🦁🦁
medium.com/@krish_bohra...
For decades, survival of caracals in the Thar desert was only argued on the basis of alleged sightings. Now, within the same year, we have found two concrete records of the species in the region.
www.deccanherald.com/india/rajast...
www.deccanherald.com/india/rajast...
Wildlife Update: Rare Asiatic Caracal Found in Jaisalmer
Rajasthan Wildlife News: Rare Asiatic Caracal rediscovered in Ramgarh, Jaisalmer, highlighting urgent need for habitat conservation amid rising ecological threats.
www.deccanherald.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:35 AM
For decades, survival of caracals in the Thar desert was only argued on the basis of alleged sightings. Now, within the same year, we have found two concrete records of the species in the region.
www.deccanherald.com/india/rajast...
www.deccanherald.com/india/rajast...
Today, I learned.
Mark Twain came to Delhi in March, 1876. One day, when he woke up in the morning, he saw two monkeys had entered his room from a window he'd left open. One was brushing its hair before the glass, and the other was “reading” his notes and “crying.”
Mark Twain came to Delhi in March, 1876. One day, when he woke up in the morning, he saw two monkeys had entered his room from a window he'd left open. One was brushing its hair before the glass, and the other was “reading” his notes and “crying.”
November 10, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Today, I learned.
Mark Twain came to Delhi in March, 1876. One day, when he woke up in the morning, he saw two monkeys had entered his room from a window he'd left open. One was brushing its hair before the glass, and the other was “reading” his notes and “crying.”
Mark Twain came to Delhi in March, 1876. One day, when he woke up in the morning, he saw two monkeys had entered his room from a window he'd left open. One was brushing its hair before the glass, and the other was “reading” his notes and “crying.”
“The plain of Hurriana is like a vast sea; the hill of Tosham and, till lately, a peepul tree near Hansi, like ships in the offing . . . could be seen from a great distance towering over the stunted bushes and grass jungle.”
–Quondam, Lion-Shooting, 1833
–Quondam, Lion-Shooting, 1833
November 8, 2025 at 4:48 PM
“The plain of Hurriana is like a vast sea; the hill of Tosham and, till lately, a peepul tree near Hansi, like ships in the offing . . . could be seen from a great distance towering over the stunted bushes and grass jungle.”
–Quondam, Lion-Shooting, 1833
–Quondam, Lion-Shooting, 1833
Well, it's done I guess. Thankfully I was able to stay consistent for a hundred days straight. Hopefully if you followed along, you had fun. I certainly had. 🙏🙏🙏
Day 100/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This is the earliest study of a Siberian crane, painted by Ustad Mansur in the early 17th c. They used to migrate from central Asia to India until 2002 when the last was seen in Bharatpur. Their decline was due to hunting along the migration route.
This is the earliest study of a Siberian crane, painted by Ustad Mansur in the early 17th c. They used to migrate from central Asia to India until 2002 when the last was seen in Bharatpur. Their decline was due to hunting along the migration route.
November 4, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Well, it's done I guess. Thankfully I was able to stay consistent for a hundred days straight. Hopefully if you followed along, you had fun. I certainly had. 🙏🙏🙏
Day 100/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This is the earliest study of a Siberian crane, painted by Ustad Mansur in the early 17th c. They used to migrate from central Asia to India until 2002 when the last was seen in Bharatpur. Their decline was due to hunting along the migration route.
This is the earliest study of a Siberian crane, painted by Ustad Mansur in the early 17th c. They used to migrate from central Asia to India until 2002 when the last was seen in Bharatpur. Their decline was due to hunting along the migration route.
November 4, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Day 100/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This is the earliest study of a Siberian crane, painted by Ustad Mansur in the early 17th c. They used to migrate from central Asia to India until 2002 when the last was seen in Bharatpur. Their decline was due to hunting along the migration route.
This is the earliest study of a Siberian crane, painted by Ustad Mansur in the early 17th c. They used to migrate from central Asia to India until 2002 when the last was seen in Bharatpur. Their decline was due to hunting along the migration route.
Day 99/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Chaura Rasta, a road in Jaipur's old city popular among students for its book market today, used to be lined with cages of tigers and leopards back in the day. Presumably, they were captured from the forests of Jaipur too. Tigers are extinct here now.
Chaura Rasta, a road in Jaipur's old city popular among students for its book market today, used to be lined with cages of tigers and leopards back in the day. Presumably, they were captured from the forests of Jaipur too. Tigers are extinct here now.
November 3, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Day 99/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Chaura Rasta, a road in Jaipur's old city popular among students for its book market today, used to be lined with cages of tigers and leopards back in the day. Presumably, they were captured from the forests of Jaipur too. Tigers are extinct here now.
Chaura Rasta, a road in Jaipur's old city popular among students for its book market today, used to be lined with cages of tigers and leopards back in the day. Presumably, they were captured from the forests of Jaipur too. Tigers are extinct here now.
Day 98/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
In 1616, Jahangir wanted to show his marksmanship to the Prince of Mewar, Karan Singh, who asked him to shoot a lion between its eyes. Scouts couldn't find one, so Jahangir did the same with a lioness. This took place at Ajmer, Rajasthan.
In 1616, Jahangir wanted to show his marksmanship to the Prince of Mewar, Karan Singh, who asked him to shoot a lion between its eyes. Scouts couldn't find one, so Jahangir did the same with a lioness. This took place at Ajmer, Rajasthan.
November 2, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Day 98/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
In 1616, Jahangir wanted to show his marksmanship to the Prince of Mewar, Karan Singh, who asked him to shoot a lion between its eyes. Scouts couldn't find one, so Jahangir did the same with a lioness. This took place at Ajmer, Rajasthan.
In 1616, Jahangir wanted to show his marksmanship to the Prince of Mewar, Karan Singh, who asked him to shoot a lion between its eyes. Scouts couldn't find one, so Jahangir did the same with a lioness. This took place at Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Day 97/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This photo by a studio called Gobind Ram and Oodey Ram from 1890 shows a tamed cheetah and caracal in Jaipur. From the Mughal period, to the 20th c., Jaipur was among the foremost centres of the elite sport of coursing with cheetahs and caracals in India.
This photo by a studio called Gobind Ram and Oodey Ram from 1890 shows a tamed cheetah and caracal in Jaipur. From the Mughal period, to the 20th c., Jaipur was among the foremost centres of the elite sport of coursing with cheetahs and caracals in India.
November 1, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Day 97/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This photo by a studio called Gobind Ram and Oodey Ram from 1890 shows a tamed cheetah and caracal in Jaipur. From the Mughal period, to the 20th c., Jaipur was among the foremost centres of the elite sport of coursing with cheetahs and caracals in India.
This photo by a studio called Gobind Ram and Oodey Ram from 1890 shows a tamed cheetah and caracal in Jaipur. From the Mughal period, to the 20th c., Jaipur was among the foremost centres of the elite sport of coursing with cheetahs and caracals in India.
Day 96/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Fremlin Carpet was commissioned by W. Fremlin, an agent of the EEIC, in 1635-40. Among many animal motifs, real and imagined, it features three cheetahs chasing blackbucks, making it the earliest artistic depiction of the cheetah in India by the British.
Fremlin Carpet was commissioned by W. Fremlin, an agent of the EEIC, in 1635-40. Among many animal motifs, real and imagined, it features three cheetahs chasing blackbucks, making it the earliest artistic depiction of the cheetah in India by the British.
October 31, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Day 96/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Fremlin Carpet was commissioned by W. Fremlin, an agent of the EEIC, in 1635-40. Among many animal motifs, real and imagined, it features three cheetahs chasing blackbucks, making it the earliest artistic depiction of the cheetah in India by the British.
Fremlin Carpet was commissioned by W. Fremlin, an agent of the EEIC, in 1635-40. Among many animal motifs, real and imagined, it features three cheetahs chasing blackbucks, making it the earliest artistic depiction of the cheetah in India by the British.
Day 95/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Rajkot, Gujarat has many records of multiple cheetahs killed on one hunt. William Loch once speared six of them. E. A. Hardy found another six—one was shot, three speared and two escaped. Some locals too killed a mother and four cubs in 1894.
Rajkot, Gujarat has many records of multiple cheetahs killed on one hunt. William Loch once speared six of them. E. A. Hardy found another six—one was shot, three speared and two escaped. Some locals too killed a mother and four cubs in 1894.
October 30, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Day 95/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Rajkot, Gujarat has many records of multiple cheetahs killed on one hunt. William Loch once speared six of them. E. A. Hardy found another six—one was shot, three speared and two escaped. Some locals too killed a mother and four cubs in 1894.
Rajkot, Gujarat has many records of multiple cheetahs killed on one hunt. William Loch once speared six of them. E. A. Hardy found another six—one was shot, three speared and two escaped. Some locals too killed a mother and four cubs in 1894.
Last six days left. In less than a week, I won't have my daily ritual of sitting, thinking what wildlife history tidbit I should share today, looking up sources and finally posting it . . .
Day 94/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Jack Lowis, an indigo planter in Bihar, once shot a tigress and discovered four cubs that hadn't even opened their eyes yet. While lifting to howdah, his elephant trod one. They raised the other three until 8 months of age and sold them to a German circus.
Jack Lowis, an indigo planter in Bihar, once shot a tigress and discovered four cubs that hadn't even opened their eyes yet. While lifting to howdah, his elephant trod one. They raised the other three until 8 months of age and sold them to a German circus.
October 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Last six days left. In less than a week, I won't have my daily ritual of sitting, thinking what wildlife history tidbit I should share today, looking up sources and finally posting it . . .
Day 94/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Jack Lowis, an indigo planter in Bihar, once shot a tigress and discovered four cubs that hadn't even opened their eyes yet. While lifting to howdah, his elephant trod one. They raised the other three until 8 months of age and sold them to a German circus.
Jack Lowis, an indigo planter in Bihar, once shot a tigress and discovered four cubs that hadn't even opened their eyes yet. While lifting to howdah, his elephant trod one. They raised the other three until 8 months of age and sold them to a German circus.
October 29, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Day 94/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Jack Lowis, an indigo planter in Bihar, once shot a tigress and discovered four cubs that hadn't even opened their eyes yet. While lifting to howdah, his elephant trod one. They raised the other three until 8 months of age and sold them to a German circus.
Jack Lowis, an indigo planter in Bihar, once shot a tigress and discovered four cubs that hadn't even opened their eyes yet. While lifting to howdah, his elephant trod one. They raised the other three until 8 months of age and sold them to a German circus.
Day 93/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Acc. to T. C. Jerdon (1867), Javan rhinos were found along the Mahanadi river in Odisha. Since this is a unique record, Valentine Ball investigated and learnt of some captive specimens of unknown species but wasn't convinced of Jerdon's claim.
Acc. to T. C. Jerdon (1867), Javan rhinos were found along the Mahanadi river in Odisha. Since this is a unique record, Valentine Ball investigated and learnt of some captive specimens of unknown species but wasn't convinced of Jerdon's claim.
October 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Day 93/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Acc. to T. C. Jerdon (1867), Javan rhinos were found along the Mahanadi river in Odisha. Since this is a unique record, Valentine Ball investigated and learnt of some captive specimens of unknown species but wasn't convinced of Jerdon's claim.
Acc. to T. C. Jerdon (1867), Javan rhinos were found along the Mahanadi river in Odisha. Since this is a unique record, Valentine Ball investigated and learnt of some captive specimens of unknown species but wasn't convinced of Jerdon's claim.
Day 92/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
In March, 1835 Fanny Parks, an English traveller, reached Fatehpur Sikri. There, she met locals who showed her the skin of a leopard shot in the old ruins about an year ago. She was also told some wolves had killed a child there the previous week.
In March, 1835 Fanny Parks, an English traveller, reached Fatehpur Sikri. There, she met locals who showed her the skin of a leopard shot in the old ruins about an year ago. She was also told some wolves had killed a child there the previous week.
October 27, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Day 92/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
In March, 1835 Fanny Parks, an English traveller, reached Fatehpur Sikri. There, she met locals who showed her the skin of a leopard shot in the old ruins about an year ago. She was also told some wolves had killed a child there the previous week.
In March, 1835 Fanny Parks, an English traveller, reached Fatehpur Sikri. There, she met locals who showed her the skin of a leopard shot in the old ruins about an year ago. She was also told some wolves had killed a child there the previous week.
Day 91/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Raja Rudra Chand of Kumaon met the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1587. He brought a yak and a musk deer. Badayuni, a contemporary historian, describes the latter as, “like a fox, and two small tusks projected in front, and instead of horns it had an elevation,”
Raja Rudra Chand of Kumaon met the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1587. He brought a yak and a musk deer. Badayuni, a contemporary historian, describes the latter as, “like a fox, and two small tusks projected in front, and instead of horns it had an elevation,”
October 26, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Day 91/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Raja Rudra Chand of Kumaon met the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1587. He brought a yak and a musk deer. Badayuni, a contemporary historian, describes the latter as, “like a fox, and two small tusks projected in front, and instead of horns it had an elevation,”
Raja Rudra Chand of Kumaon met the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1587. He brought a yak and a musk deer. Badayuni, a contemporary historian, describes the latter as, “like a fox, and two small tusks projected in front, and instead of horns it had an elevation,”
Day 90/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
A. C. Gupta was an officer of the Indian Forest Service who wrote of a tiger that allegedly hunted two rhinos, mother and calf, at the Gorumara National Park, West Bengal in 1951-52. The record is somewhat vague but interesting food for thought regardless.
A. C. Gupta was an officer of the Indian Forest Service who wrote of a tiger that allegedly hunted two rhinos, mother and calf, at the Gorumara National Park, West Bengal in 1951-52. The record is somewhat vague but interesting food for thought regardless.
October 25, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Day 90/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
A. C. Gupta was an officer of the Indian Forest Service who wrote of a tiger that allegedly hunted two rhinos, mother and calf, at the Gorumara National Park, West Bengal in 1951-52. The record is somewhat vague but interesting food for thought regardless.
A. C. Gupta was an officer of the Indian Forest Service who wrote of a tiger that allegedly hunted two rhinos, mother and calf, at the Gorumara National Park, West Bengal in 1951-52. The record is somewhat vague but interesting food for thought regardless.
Day 89/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This is the last dhole recorded in Rajasthan. Dr. Dharmendra Khandal saw it in 2004. He managed to capture this photo as an irritated tourist asked the driver to continue forward, presumably looking for tigers in Ranthambore. They were never seen again.
This is the last dhole recorded in Rajasthan. Dr. Dharmendra Khandal saw it in 2004. He managed to capture this photo as an irritated tourist asked the driver to continue forward, presumably looking for tigers in Ranthambore. They were never seen again.
October 24, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Day 89/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This is the last dhole recorded in Rajasthan. Dr. Dharmendra Khandal saw it in 2004. He managed to capture this photo as an irritated tourist asked the driver to continue forward, presumably looking for tigers in Ranthambore. They were never seen again.
This is the last dhole recorded in Rajasthan. Dr. Dharmendra Khandal saw it in 2004. He managed to capture this photo as an irritated tourist asked the driver to continue forward, presumably looking for tigers in Ranthambore. They were never seen again.
Day 88/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Kota was among the last strongholds of the Indian lion before they went extinct everywhere except Gir. An article from 1867 records two instances where entire prides were seen, of nine and ten lions, former of which were all shot dead.
Kota was among the last strongholds of the Indian lion before they went extinct everywhere except Gir. An article from 1867 records two instances where entire prides were seen, of nine and ten lions, former of which were all shot dead.
October 23, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Day 88/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Kota was among the last strongholds of the Indian lion before they went extinct everywhere except Gir. An article from 1867 records two instances where entire prides were seen, of nine and ten lions, former of which were all shot dead.
Kota was among the last strongholds of the Indian lion before they went extinct everywhere except Gir. An article from 1867 records two instances where entire prides were seen, of nine and ten lions, former of which were all shot dead.
Day 87/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Erstwhile State of Jodhpur was dominated by the open grasslands of the Thar desert where lived tens of thousands of blackbucks with large herds in different places. Over time, hunting and habitat loss reduced this to a shadow of its former self.
Erstwhile State of Jodhpur was dominated by the open grasslands of the Thar desert where lived tens of thousands of blackbucks with large herds in different places. Over time, hunting and habitat loss reduced this to a shadow of its former self.
October 22, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Day 87/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Erstwhile State of Jodhpur was dominated by the open grasslands of the Thar desert where lived tens of thousands of blackbucks with large herds in different places. Over time, hunting and habitat loss reduced this to a shadow of its former self.
Erstwhile State of Jodhpur was dominated by the open grasslands of the Thar desert where lived tens of thousands of blackbucks with large herds in different places. Over time, hunting and habitat loss reduced this to a shadow of its former self.
Just two more weeks . . .
Day 86/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Edward Thornton authored a gazetteer of territories under the East India Company rule and other native states in India in 1854. In a description about Jaisalmer's fauna, he writes,
“A few lions are said to haunt the wilds about the southern frontier,”
Edward Thornton authored a gazetteer of territories under the East India Company rule and other native states in India in 1854. In a description about Jaisalmer's fauna, he writes,
“A few lions are said to haunt the wilds about the southern frontier,”
October 21, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Just two more weeks . . .
Day 86/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Edward Thornton authored a gazetteer of territories under the East India Company rule and other native states in India in 1854. In a description about Jaisalmer's fauna, he writes,
“A few lions are said to haunt the wilds about the southern frontier,”
Edward Thornton authored a gazetteer of territories under the East India Company rule and other native states in India in 1854. In a description about Jaisalmer's fauna, he writes,
“A few lions are said to haunt the wilds about the southern frontier,”
October 21, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Day 86/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Edward Thornton authored a gazetteer of territories under the East India Company rule and other native states in India in 1854. In a description about Jaisalmer's fauna, he writes,
“A few lions are said to haunt the wilds about the southern frontier,”
Edward Thornton authored a gazetteer of territories under the East India Company rule and other native states in India in 1854. In a description about Jaisalmer's fauna, he writes,
“A few lions are said to haunt the wilds about the southern frontier,”
Day 85/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This painting, titled Family of Cheetahs in a Rocky Landscape, is attributed to Basawan and dated to 1575-80, when it was made at the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Excluding old rock art, it is the earliest known visual record of an Indian cheetah.
This painting, titled Family of Cheetahs in a Rocky Landscape, is attributed to Basawan and dated to 1575-80, when it was made at the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Excluding old rock art, it is the earliest known visual record of an Indian cheetah.
October 20, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Day 85/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This painting, titled Family of Cheetahs in a Rocky Landscape, is attributed to Basawan and dated to 1575-80, when it was made at the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Excluding old rock art, it is the earliest known visual record of an Indian cheetah.
This painting, titled Family of Cheetahs in a Rocky Landscape, is attributed to Basawan and dated to 1575-80, when it was made at the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Excluding old rock art, it is the earliest known visual record of an Indian cheetah.
Day 84/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This miniature painting, dated to late 18th or early 19th century, shows two rhinos facing each other in a captive setting. The piece is from Jaipur, so it's likely that's where the animals were kept. Among the rare records of captive rhinos in Jaipur.
This miniature painting, dated to late 18th or early 19th century, shows two rhinos facing each other in a captive setting. The piece is from Jaipur, so it's likely that's where the animals were kept. Among the rare records of captive rhinos in Jaipur.
October 19, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Day 84/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This miniature painting, dated to late 18th or early 19th century, shows two rhinos facing each other in a captive setting. The piece is from Jaipur, so it's likely that's where the animals were kept. Among the rare records of captive rhinos in Jaipur.
This miniature painting, dated to late 18th or early 19th century, shows two rhinos facing each other in a captive setting. The piece is from Jaipur, so it's likely that's where the animals were kept. Among the rare records of captive rhinos in Jaipur.
Day 83/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Shillingford family were indigo planters in Purnea who used to organize annual hunts in the region for British hunters. They hunted 18 tigers, 27 wild buffaloes, 135 deer, 42 wild pigs and 240 heads of “small game” in a little more than two weeks in 1870.
Shillingford family were indigo planters in Purnea who used to organize annual hunts in the region for British hunters. They hunted 18 tigers, 27 wild buffaloes, 135 deer, 42 wild pigs and 240 heads of “small game” in a little more than two weeks in 1870.
October 18, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Day 83/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
Shillingford family were indigo planters in Purnea who used to organize annual hunts in the region for British hunters. They hunted 18 tigers, 27 wild buffaloes, 135 deer, 42 wild pigs and 240 heads of “small game” in a little more than two weeks in 1870.
Shillingford family were indigo planters in Purnea who used to organize annual hunts in the region for British hunters. They hunted 18 tigers, 27 wild buffaloes, 135 deer, 42 wild pigs and 240 heads of “small game” in a little more than two weeks in 1870.
Day 82/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This is an excerpt from a letter written by a British hunter from Meerut in July, 1822 where he recounts the animals he had hunted in India.
It is the only known record of lion, tiger and leopard hunted in a single expedition.
This is an excerpt from a letter written by a British hunter from Meerut in July, 1822 where he recounts the animals he had hunted in India.
It is the only known record of lion, tiger and leopard hunted in a single expedition.
October 17, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Day 82/100 of Cool Indian Wildlife History
This is an excerpt from a letter written by a British hunter from Meerut in July, 1822 where he recounts the animals he had hunted in India.
It is the only known record of lion, tiger and leopard hunted in a single expedition.
This is an excerpt from a letter written by a British hunter from Meerut in July, 1822 where he recounts the animals he had hunted in India.
It is the only known record of lion, tiger and leopard hunted in a single expedition.