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Flag of Sindh

2023-04-18T16:18:07Z

91.235.65.22:

{{Use Pakistani English}}
{{Infobox flag
|Name= Sindh province
|Image=Flag of Sindh.svg
|Use=110000
|Symbol=[[File:IFIS De facto.svg]] [[File:IFIS Vertical inapplicable.svg]]
|Proportion=2:3|Adoption=23 May 2005
}}

The '''Flag of Sindh''' is the flag of the Province of [[Sindh]] within [[Pakistan]]. The Sindh provincial flag is green and shows the provincial emblem in the centre<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/pk-sindh.html|title=Sindh, Pakistan|website=www.crwflags.com}}</ref>{{Better source|date=November 2018}} which includes the major crops of this desert fertile province; cotton, rice, wheat and sugar cane. The inscription below in a crescent scroll reads ''Government of Sindh'' in both Urdu and [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]], respectively. The flag uses the Pakistani national colours, white and dark green, colors that reflect the [[History of Islam in Pakistan|Islamic heritage of Pakistan]].<ref name="flagsig1">{{cite web| url=http://www.infopak.gov.pk/Flag.aspx| title=Pakistan flag| publisher=Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan| access-date=2007-12-11| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305050001/http://www.infopak.gov.pk/Flag.aspx| archive-date=2009-03-05}}</ref>

==Other websites==
* [[Flag of Pakistan]] (Federal)
* [[Coat of Arms of Pakistan#Regional_emblems|Sindh emblem]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Flag-stub}}

[[Category:Sindh| ]]
[[Category:Government of Pakistan|Sindh]]
[[Category:Flags of country subdivisions|Sindh]]

Bihu

2023-03-22T17:50:24Z

91.235.65.22:

{{Short description|Three seasonal festivals of Assamese people}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox holiday
|type =
|longtype = Regional folk
|holiday_name = Bihu
|image = Assamese couple in traditional attire.jpg|
|caption = Bihu of [[Assam]]
|official_name = Bihu
|nickname = Rongali Bihu ''(April)'' • Kati Bihu ''(October)'' • Bhogali Bihu ''(January)''
|observedby = [[Assamese people]]
|weekday = Vaisakha
|ends = Varies
|duration = 2 days, except Kaati Bihu - celebrated 1 day
|date = In the months of ''Bohag, Kaati and [[Magh bihu]]''
|celebrations =
|observances =
|relatedto = [[Bwisagu|Baisagu]] of Bodos, [[Busu Dima|Bushu]] of Dimasas, Pisu of Tiwas, Dumsi of Rabhas and [[Buisu|Buisu/Bisu]] of [[Tripuri people|Tripuris]]
|frequency = Tri-annual
}}
{{Culture of Assam}}
'''Bihu''' is a set of three important Assamese festivals in the [[India]]n state of [[Assam]]<ref>"However, the festival to which utmost social importance is assigned by the people is ''Bihu'', a festival that is neither pan-Indian in character nor observed with any religious fervour." {{harvcol|Barua|2009|p=213}}</ref> – 'Rongali' or 'Bohag Bihu' observed in April, 'Kongali' or 'Kati Bihu' observed in October, and 'Bhogali' or '[[Magh Bihu]]' observed in January.<ref>{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|page=136}}</ref> The Rongali Bihu is the most important of the three, celebrating spring festival. The [[Bhogali Bihu]] or the Magh Bihu is a harvest festival, with community feasts. The Kongali Bihu or the Kati Bihu is the sombre, thrifty one reflecting a season of short supplies and is an animistic festival.<ref name="Bansal2005p67">{{cite book|author=Sunita Pant Bansal|title=Encyclopaedia of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fQB3Fkc3Tl4C&pg=PA67 |year= 2005|publisher= Smriti Books|isbn= 978-81-87967-71-2|page= 67}}</ref>

The Rongali Bihu coincides the Assamese New year and as well as with other regions of [[Indian subcontinent]], [[East Asia]] and [[South-East Asia]], which follow the [[Hindu calendar]] and [[Buddhist calendar]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The springtime bihu of [[Assam]]: a socio-cultural study| author = Praphulladatta Goswami| publisher= Gauhati |year= 1966|oclc= 474819}}</ref> The other two Bihu festivals every year are unique to [[Assamese people]]. Like some other Indian festivals, Bihu is associated with agriculture, and rice in particular. Bohag Bihu is a sowing festival, Kati Bihu is associated with crop protection and worship of plants and crops and is an animistic form of the festival, while Bhogali Bihu is a harvest festival.<ref name="Sharma2010">{{cite book|author=S. D. Sharma|title=Rice: Origin, Antiquity and History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hTvNBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA56| year=2010| publisher= CRC Press|isbn= 978-1-4398-4056-6|pages=56, 60–61}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Goswami | first=Praphulladatta | title=Hindu and Tribal Folklore in Assam | journal=Asian Folklore Studies | publisher=JSTOR | volume=26 | issue=1 | year=1967 | pages=19–27 | doi=10.2307/1177697 | jstor=1177697 }}</ref> Assamese celebrate the Rongali Bihu with feasts, music and dancing. Some hang brass, copper or silver pots on poles in front of their house, while children wear flower garlands then greet the new year as they pass through the rural streets.<ref name="Roy2005p479"/>

The three Bihu are [[Assamese people|Assamese]] festivals<ref name="Roy2005p479">{{cite book|author=Christian Roy|title=Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKqOUfqt4cIC&pg=PA479 |year=2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-57607-089-5|pages=479–480}}</ref> elders in family, fertility and mother goddess, but the celebrations and rituals reflect influences from [[Southeast Asia]] and [[Sino-Tibetan]] cultures.<ref name="dalalp76">{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|page=76}}</ref><ref name="Goswami2014p61">{{cite book|author=Uddipana Goswami|title=Conflict and Reconciliation: The Politics of Ethnicity in Assam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bHk9BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA61|year=2014|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-55997-9|pages=61–63}}</ref><ref name="Datta1988p1277">{{cite book|author=Amaresh Datta|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zB4n3MVozbUC |year=1988|publisher=Sahitya Akademi|isbn=978-81-260-1194-0|pages=1277–1278}}</ref> In contemporary times, the Bihus are celebrated by all [[Assamese people]] irrespective of religion, caste or creed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://assam.gov.in/culture-of-assam |title=Culture of Assam - Government Of Assam, India |access-date=8 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525031217/http://assam.gov.in/culture-of-assam |archive-date=25 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is also celebrated overseas by the [[Assamese people|Assamese diaspora community]] living worldwide.

The term ''Bihu'' is also used to simply [["Bihu" dance]] otherwise called Bihu Naas and [[Music of Assam|Bihu folk songs]] also called Bihu Geet.

==History==
Although the modern form of Bihu is a synthesis of varied cultural elements from diverse ethnic groups like Tibeto-Burman and Tai, it has deep roots in the indigenous culture.<ref>{{harvcol|Barua|1973|pp=38–41}}</ref>

===Indigenous origin===

The word ''Bihu'' has been derived from the [[Deori language|Deori]] (a [[Boro-Garo languages|Boro-Garo]] language) word ''Bisu'' which means "excessive joy".<ref>Gogoi, Dinesh(2015), ''Baapoti Hahun Bihu'', Page 17-18, The word Bihu is probably a derived form of "Bisu" celebrated by the Deoris, which stands for "excessive joy"</ref> The original form of Bihu continue among the [[Chutia people|Chutias]], [[Sonowal Kacharis]] and [[Deori people|Deoris]]. These groups, known as Sadiyal Kacharis were associated with the historical [[Kingdom of Sadiya]].<ref>Gogoi, Dinesh(2015), ''Baapoti Hahun Bihu'', Page 17-18, The root of the Bihu festival lies with the earliest immigrants of Assams, the Kacharis. It is specially attributed to the Sadiyal Kacharis which includes Chutias, Sonowals, and Deoris.</ref> The other branches of Bodo-Kacharis which include [[Boro people|Boro]]s, [[Dimasa people|Dimasas]], [[Rabha tribe|Rabhas]], [[Tiwa (Lalung)|Tiwas]], etc. have also been celebrating Bihu since ancient times. The Boros call it ''Baisagu'', while the Dimasas, Tiwa and Rabha call it ''Bushu'' or ''Bushu Dima'',<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-02-16|title=Bushu Dima Fest in city today|url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=feb1713/city05|access-date=2020-10-06|website=[[The Assam Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-10-31|title=ASDC, BJP demand timely polls to DHAC|url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=nov0112/state06|access-date=2020-10-06|website=[[The Assam Tribune]]}}</ref>{{sfn|Tamang|2016|p=61}}<ref group=web name="Times of India">[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Busu-Dima-festival-begins-in-Dima-Hasao/articleshow/11669199.cms "Busu Dima festival begins in Dima Hasao"], ''Times Of India''</ref>''Pisu'', ''Dumsi'' respectively.<ref>Gogoi, Dinesh(2015), ''Baapoti Hahun Bihu'', Page 17-18, The root of the Bihu festival lies with the earliest immigrants of Assams, the Kacharis. It is specially attributed to the Sadiyal Kacharis which includes Chutias, Sonowals, and Deoris. The word Bihu is probably a derived form of "Bisu" celebrated by the Deoris, which stands for "excessive joy". Other festivals similar to it include the Baisagu of Bodos, Bushu of Dimasas, Pisu of Tiwas, and Dumsi of Rabhas.</ref>

In local folklore, it is said that ''[[Bordoisila]]'' (Bardai Sikhla in Bodo) (meaning north-westerly winds in Assamese) was the daughter of God Earth who married to a bridegroom of some distant land. Bordoisila visits her mother’s home once in year during spring time which indicates the beginning of Bihu and leaves after a few days which indicates the end of Bihu. Assam experience strong gale (wind) at that period which marks the beginning of Bihu and another strong gale after her departure which is devastating. The word ''Bordoisila'' is derived from the Bodo word ''Bordaisikhla'' which means "girl of storm" (Sikhla meaning girl and Bardai meaning storm). There is even a dance with the same name performed among Boro people during Baisagu which points to the origin of Bihu in the Bodo-Kachari groups.<ref group=web name="Outlook India">[https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/ot-getaway-guides/bohag-bihu/ "BOHAG BIHU"],''Outlook India''</ref>

The first reference of Bihu can be found in the copperplate inscription of the [[Chutiya kingdom|Chutia]] king Lakshminarayan. The inscription was found in [[Ghilamara]] region of [[Lakhimpur district]] in the year 1935 and it was issued in the year 1401 A.D. It states that the king Lakshminarayan has donated land grants to Brahmins on the auspicious occasion of Bihu. It reads,{{Blockquote
|text=“Etasmay Shashana prada Lakshminarayana Nripa Utrijya Bisuye Punya Ravidev Dvijanme”
|author=Copper plate, Ghilamara (1401)
}}
This means that on the pious occasion of Bihu, a Brahmin named Dvija Ravidev was granted land by the king. This indicates that Bihu played an important role in the social life of people of Assam at that period.

The wooden Khol played in Majuli in early times (similar to the Mayamora Khul, Manipuri Pung) was later turned into the terracotta Mridanga (similar to the ones played in eastern India) by the Vaishnavite saint [[Sankardev]] so that it could be used in art forms like dances and dramas.

Yet another reference of ''Bihu'' can be found in the ''Deodhai Buranji'' which mentions that the capital of the [[Chutia kingdom]], Sadiya was suddenly attacked by the Ahom forces on the first day of Bihu/Bisu in 1524 (first Wednesday of Bohag/Vaisakha), when the people were busy celebrating Bihu. The Ahom general Phrasenmung Borgohain upon the advise of a Chutia general (who sided with the enemies) played the Bihu Dhul (on Ujha Bisu day i.e. 7th Bohag/Vaisakha) to trick the Chutias which ultimately led to their defeat.<ref>{{cite book|last = Bhuyan| first = Surya Kumar| title = Deodhai Assam Buranji| date=2005 |orig-year=1932| location = Guwahati }}</ref>

In early texts, Bohag Bihu celebrations started from the first week of [[Chaitra]] (''Chot'' in Assamese) month. The period from the first week of Chaitra till the end was known as ''Raati Bihu'' or ''Chotor Bihu''. During this period, young people danced at night in the grounds of the ''Than'' (temple). The last day of Chaitra or the first Tuesday of Bohag was when the Rati Bihu ended. This was known as the ''Uruka'' (derived from the Deori-Chutia ''Urukuwa'' meaning ''to end''). The temple dancers ''Deodhani'' danced the entire night and were believed to be possessed by the goddess ''Kechai-khati'' (kolimoti), signaling that she had descended upon earth from heaven (''Bihu nomai ona''). This belief of the goddess arriving during the Bihu season each year can still be found in Bihu songs as,{{Blockquote|text="Kolimoti e bai ghuri Bohagoloi Ahibi ne nai? Ami thakim ami thakim Baatoloi sai."}} The day after Uruka,i.e. the first Wednesday was celebrated as Goru Bihu. This tradition of cattle rites is same as that followed by the Boros in [[Bwisagu]] indicating the common roots of both the festivals. During the night of Goru-bihu, people danced Bihu in separate groups in the Thans where animal sacrifice took place. After the sacrifices to the goddess, the young folk visited the households of the village, which was the start of ''Husori''. This old tradition of starting Husori from the temple is still followed by the Deoris, some Sonowals, Chutias and Morans as well as the people of [[Sadiya]]. In other communities, the temple has been replaced by the ''Namghar''.<ref>Barua, S.L. ''Chutiya Jatir Buranji''. 2004, p. 390.</ref> The festivities of Bohag Bihu continued for a week and ended with the rite by which the goddess was bid farewell. In this rite, a boat was first prepared out of banana stem and decorated with flowers and offerings. Then, it was carried to the banks of the river where a duck/chicken was put inside the boat and allowed to float as a symbol of sacrifice. After performing the rite, the people returned to their homes, singing along the way with the beats of the Dhul and the tunes of the Pepa.

Some old Assamese Bihu folklore still hint to this tradition.
{{Blockquote|text=“Hasoti e chot Bisoti e chot. Budhe Goru Bihu Mangale Uruka. Bihu goi asili kot.”}}{{Blockquote|text= “Boge dhari khale luitor hihu, Mangal bare Uruka Budh bare Goru Bihu Tar pasor dina Manisor Bihu.”}}{{Blockquote|text=“Husori e chot asili kot. Sadiyar ahotor tolot, Husori e chot asili kot. Ami je ulomu jot Dubori nogoje tot.”}}{{Blockquote|text=“Kundilor agolit ukhokoi Himolu. Tate loi kuruwai bah. Sadiyar rajate sari haal goxani Taloi namaskar koru. Hunare jakhala Rupor hetamari Ahe sari haali nami.”}}

The modern form of Bihu dance was derived from the ''Faat Bihu'' dance celebrated in [[Dhakuakhana]], Lakhimpur. The performers were called by the Ahom king Rudra Singha in 1694 to dance in the royal arena [[Rang Ghar]]. The origin of ''Faat Bihu'' can be traced to [[Sadiya]]. The word ''Faat'' in Deori-Chutia language means "to migrate". After the defeat of the Sadiyal Kacharis in Sadiya, the survivors were displaced from Sadiya to different places in the kingdom. A group of these people moved from Sadiya, to Dibrugarh and finally settled down in Harhi Sapori, Dhakuakhana. These people had brought the idols of god and goddess along with them and established a temple now known as Harhi Dewaloi. It was here that the first form of modern Bihu dance was developed. Later, in the 19th century, this form of Bihu dance was adopted by the other communities as well and started being performed in Mahguli sapori, Dhakuakhana by Chutias, Sonowals, Deoris, Ahoms, Mishing, etc.<ref>{{cite book| last = Hakacham| first = Upen Rabha| title = Origin of Bihu|year = 2010| location = Guwahati
}}</ref>
[[File:Faat Bihu dance at Harhi dewaloi.jpg|thumb|The Faat Bihu dance at Harhidewaloi has been performed in the same form since the 16th century.]]

===Ahom contribution===
[[File:Lahori Gogona(Musical Instruments of Assam).jpg|thumb|[[Gogona]] played during Bihu]]

Ahom King [[Rudra Singha]] gave patronage to Bihu and was also the first one to celebrate Bihu in the courtyard. This policy was later followed by his successors.<ref>{{harvcol|Baruah|1986|pp=292-293}}</ref>

===Indo-Aryan contribution===

The Indo-Aryans upon their arrival in Assam helped in gradually [[sanskritisation]] of the native Bihu/Bisu to bring it to the present form. Being the pioneers of Astronomy, they further associated the term Bisu with the Visuvan day for coincidence of the Bohag Bihu with other springtime festivals observed elsewhere in India on this day and adopted the festival of the natives.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Bhattacharya
| first = Pramod chandra
| title = Asamar Loka Utsav
| year = 1969
| location = Guwahati
}}</ref>

== The three Bihu Festivals ==
[[File:Bwisagu Dance.jpg|thumb|left|Bihu refer to as Bwisãgu by the Bodos]]
[[File:Moran Bihu Dance.jpg|thumb|right|Bihu of [[Moran people|Moran]] ethnic group]]

===Bohag Bihu===
{{Main|Bohag Bihu}}
Bohag Bihu (mid-April, also called Rongali Bihu), the most popular Bihu celebrates the onset of the [[Bengali calendar|Assamese New Year]] (around 14–15 April) and the coming of Spring. This marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar and is also observed in Bengal, Manipur, Mithila, Nepal, Orissa, Punjab, Kerala and Tamil Nadu though called by different names. It's a time of merriment and feasting and continues, in general, for seven days. The farmers prepare the fields for cultivation of paddy and there is a feeling of joy around. The women make [[pitha]], ''larus'' (traditional food made of [[rice]], [[coconut]]) various drinks by local tribes such as Chuje by [[Deori people|Deoris]], Nam-Lao by [[Tai-Ahom]], Aapong by Mising tribe and [[Jolpan]] which gives the real essence of the season.
[[File:Bathing cow on the eve of Goru bihu.jpg|150px|thumb|left|Bathing and worshipping cows (''Goru bihu'') is a part of the Bihu celebrations.]]
The first day of the bihu is called ''goru'' bihu or cow bihu, where the [[cow]]s are washed and worshipped, which falls on the last day of the previous year, usually on 14 April. This is followed by ''manuh'' (human) bihu on 15 April, the New Year Day. This is the day of getting cleaned up, wearing new cloths and celebrating and getting ready for the new year with fresh vigor. The third day is ''Gosai'' (Gods) bihu; statues of Gods, worshiped in all households are cleaned and worshiped asking for a smooth new year.
[[File:Bihu Team.jpg|150px|thumb|Bihu dance marks the festival]]
[[File:Rhynchostylis gigantea of Assam.jpg|150px|thumb|{{center|''Kopou phool (Rhynchostylis retusa)''}}]]

The folk songs associated with the Bohag Bihu are called Bihugeets or Bihu songs. The form of celebration and rites vary among different demographic groups.

===The Seven days===
{{Main|Haat Bihu}}

Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu festival continues for seven days and called as [[Haat Bihu]]. The seven days are known as Chot Bihu, Goru Bihu, Manuh Bihu, Kutum Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Mela Bihu and Chera Bihu.

Goru Bihu: The ''goru bihu'' or cattle worship rites are observed on the last day of the year. The cattle are washed, smeared with ground turmeric and other pastes, struck with sprigs of ''dighalati'' and ''makhiyati'' and endeared to be healthy and productive (''lao kha, bengena kha, bosore bosore barhi ja/maar xoru, baper xoru, toi hobi bor bor goru''—eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow from year to year/your mother is small, your father is small, but you be a large one). The old cattle ropes are cast away through the legs and new ropes are tied to them, and they are allowed to roam anywhere they wished for the entire day.<ref>Goswami 1988, p12-14</ref>
[[File:Bathing cow on the eve of Goru bihu.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Bathing cow on the eve of Goru bihu]]

Manuh Bihu: The New Year day, the day after the ''goru bihu'', is called the ''manuh bihu''. Elders are shown respect, with gifts of ''bihuwan'' (a [[gamosa]]), a ''hachoti'' (kerchief), a ''cheleng'' etc., and their blessings are sought. Children are given new clothes, and Husori singing begins on this day, and people visit their relatives and friends.<ref>Goswami 1988, p14</ref>

Husori: Village elders move from household to households singing carols, also in the style of ''bihu geets'', called ''husoris''. [[File:Husori in Bihu.jpg|thumb|Husori in Bihu]] It possibly derives from the [[Dimasa people|Dimasa Kachari]] word formation ''ha'' (land) and ''char'' (move over): ''hachari''.<ref>Goswami 1988, p34.</ref> Villages could have more than one Husori band, and they would visit households in a village non-contiguous to itself, first singing carols at the ''Naamghar''. The husari singers then visit individual households, by first announcing their arrival at the gate (''podulimukh'') with drum beats. The singers are traditionally welcomed into the courtyard where they sing the husori songs and perform a ring dance. At the end of the performance they are thanked with an offering ''dakshina'' of ''paan'' (betel leaf) ''tamul'' (areka nut) in a ''[[xorai]]'' (brass dish with stand), whereupon the singers bless the household for the coming year. If there is a bereavement in the family, or the family does not invite the husori singers due to an illness, the husori band offers blessings from ''podulimukh'' and move on. Generally the singers are all male.<ref>Tamuli, Babul [https://web.archive.org/web/20091027150630/http://www.geocities.com/bipuljyoti/music/huchori.html Huchori: A Must for the Masses], The Assam Tribune, 2002</ref>

Faat Bihu: This is a very old form of Bihu, characterized by spontaneity, popular in the Lakhimpur area of Assam.

Mukoli Bihu: Young unmarried men and women attired in traditional golden silk ''[[silk#Wild silk|muga]]'' dance the bihu and sing bihu songs in the open fields. The songs have themes of romance and sexual love, requited or unrequited. Sometimes the songs describe tragic events too but treated very lightly. The dance celebrates female sexuality.

[[File:Bihu dancers at Rongali Bihu celebration in Bangalore (photo - Jim Ankan Deka).jpg|150px|thumb|right|Jeng Bihu dancers at Rongali Bihu celebration in Bangalore organized by Assam Association of Karnataka.]]

Jeng Bihu: This is Bihu dance and song performed and watched only by women. The name "jeng" comes from the fact that in earlier days women in the villages used to surround the place of their performance with sticks dug into the ground called ''jeng'' in Assamese. It is also called ''gos tolor bihu'' (Bihu beneath the tree).

Baisago: The [[Bodo-Kachari]] people celebrate for seven days—the first day for cattle (''Magou''), the second day for man (''Mansoi'') and ancestor worship, feasting, singing and merriment. Songs follow the same themes as the Bihu songs.<ref>Goswami 1988, pp26-27.</ref>

Bihutoli Bihu: The rural festival made its transition to urban life when it was first time brought to the stage in Lataxil field in Guwahati by the Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani in 1962, promoted by leading citizens like Radha Govinda Baruah and others. Bihu to a great extent has been popularized by the Bihu 'Samrat'( king ), of Assam, Khagen Mahanta. Unlike the rural version, the dancers danced on a makeshift elevated stage in an open area that came to be known as a ''Bihutoli''. [[File:Rongali bihu.jpg|thumb|Youths perform Bihu dance during Rongali Bihu Celebration in Assam]] Many such Bihutolis have sprouted since then in Guwahati and other urban areas. The performances are not confined to the Bihu dance form but may incorporate all forms of theatrical performances to keep the audience enthralled well into the early hours. Performances could include standup comedy, to concerts by solo singers. The stage form of Bihu has become so popular, that organizers have begun extending the celebrations to ''bohagi bidai'', or farewell to the ''Bohag'' month, which is similar performances held a month later.

Saat Bihu: Rongali Bihu also called ''saat Bihu'' (seven Bihus). It celebrates seven days, it's called so. On the other hand, Rangali Bihu is constitute of seven different types of Bihu -Goru Bihu (Cow Bihu), Manuh Bihu, Xat Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Maiki Bihu, Rongali Bihu, and Sera Bihu. Actually, first day to pay respect to cows and other days for social activities.

[[File:Dhol, Pepa and Taal.jpg|150px|thumb|{{center|''The key musical instruments - Dhol, Pepa and Taal used during Bihu song / dance.''}}]]

===Kati Bihu===
Kongali Bihu (mid-October, also called ''Kati-Bihu'') has a different flavor as there is less merriment and the atmosphere has a sense of constraining and solemnity. During this time of the year, the paddy in the fields are in the growing stage and the granaries of the farmers are almost empty. On this day, earthen lamps (''saki'') are lit at the foot of the household [[Ocimum tenuiflorum|tulsi]] plant, the granary, the garden (''bari'') and the paddy fields. In ancient times, earthen lamps were lit all around the paddy fields to attract the insects, thus acting as a natural insectide. To protect the maturing paddy, cultivators whirl a piece of bamboo and recite ''rowa-khowa'' chants and spells to ward off pests and the evil eye. During the evening, cattle are fed specially made rice items called ''pitha''. Kati Bihu is known as ''Kati Gasa'' by the [[Bodo people]] and ''Gathi Sainjora'' by the [[Dimasa people]]. The [[Bodo people]] light lamps at the foot of the ''siju'' (''[[Euphorbia]] neriifolia'') tree. This Bihu is also associated with the lighting of ''akaxi gonga'' or ''akaxbonti'', lamps at the tip of a tall bamboo pole, to show the souls of the dead the way to heaven, a practice that is common to many communities in [[India]], as well as Asia and Europe. '''Kati bihu''' is generally celebrated on '''19 october,''' as it is almost mid-October.<ref>Goswami 1988, pp7-8</ref>

=== Magh Bihu ===
{{main|Bhogali Bihu}}
Bhogali Bihu (mid-January, also called Magh Bihu) comes from the word ''Bhog'' that is eating and enjoyment.<ref>[http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html Celebrating Nature's Bounty - Magh Bihu] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117010132/http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html |date=2012-01-17 }}, ''Efi-news.com''</ref> It is a harvest festival and marks the end of harvesting season. Since the granaries are full, there is a lot of feasting and eating during this period. On the eve of the day called ''uruka'', i.e., the last day of ''pausa'', menfolk, more particularly young men go to the field, preferably near a river, build a makeshift cottage called ''Bhelaghar'' with the hay of the harvest fields and the bonfire or ''Meji'', . the most important thing for the night. During the night, they prepare food and there is community feasting everywhere. There is also the exchange of sweets and greetings at this time. The entire night (called Uruka) is spent around a ''Meji'' with people singing bihu songs, beating [[Dhol]], a typical kind of drums or playing games. Boys roam about in the dark stealing firewood and vegetables for fun. The next morning they take a bath and burn the main ''Meji''. People gather around the ''Meji'' and throw ''[[Pitha]]''s (rice cakes) and betel nuts to it while burning it at the same time. They offer their prayers to the god of Fire and mark the end of the harvesting year. Thereafter they come back home carrying pieces of half burnt firewood for being thrown among fruit trees for favorable results. All the trees in the compound are tied to bamboo strips or paddy stems. Different types of sports like Buffalo-fight, [[Egg-fight]], [[Cock-fight]], Nightingale-fight etc. are held throughout the day. There are other conventional festivals observed by various [[Ethnocentrism|ethnic-cultural]] groups. Me-dam-me-phi, Ali-aye-ligang, Porag, Garja, Hapsa Hatarnai, Kherai are few among them. The koch celebrates this bihu as {{transl|ass|pushna}}.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sankalp India Foundation |url=http://sankalpindia.net/drupal/?q=bihu-a-celebration-assamese-culture |title=Bihu: A celebration of Assamese culture | Sankalp India Foundation |publisher=Sankalpindia.net |access-date=2012-12-19}}</ref>

==Instruments used in Bihu==

*[[Dhol]] (Drum)
*[[Taal (musical instrument)|Taal]]
*[[Pepa (musical instrument)|Pepa]] (An instrument made of buffalo horn)
*[[Toka (musical instrument)|Toka]]
*[[Baanhi]] ([[Flute]])
*[[Xutuli]]
*[[Gogona]]

== Bihu elsewhere ==
Bihu is also seen to be celebrated abroad. Many Bihu associations/committees exist elsewhere where this festival is celebrated with enthusiasm. The London Bihu Committee (LBC), UK is one of them among others.

==Related festivals==
The Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu) festive day is celebrated elsewhere but called by other name.<ref name="BBC Hinduism">{{cite web |title=Religions - Hinduism: Vaisakhi|publisher=[[BBC]]|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/holydays/vaisakhi.shtml | date=14 July 2007 | first=Vishaal | last=Lau | access-date=19 July 2018}}</ref><ref>Crump, William D. (2014), [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=cDTfCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA114 Encyclopedia of New Year's Holidays Worldwide], MacFarland, page 114</ref><ref name="PechilisRaj2013p48">{{cite book|author1=Karen Pechilis|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kaubzRxh-U0C&pg=PA48|title=South Asian Religions: Tradition and Today|author2=Selva J. Raj|publisher=Routledge|year=2013|isbn=978-0-415-44851-2|pages=48–49}}</ref> Some examples of related festivals in Asia include:
Indian subcontinent:
*[[Vaisakhi]] in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India
*[[Vishu]] in [[Kerala]], India
*[[Pohela Boishakh]] in [[West Bengal]], India
*[[Puthandu]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], India
*[[Bikram Samwat|Vaishak Ek]] in [[Nepal]]
*[[Sinhalese New Year]] in [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name=reeves174>{{cite book|author=Peter Reeves|title=The Encyclopedia of the Sri Lankan Diaspora |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4N5UAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA174 |year=2014|publisher=Didier Millet|isbn=978-981-4260-83-1|page=174}}</ref>
East Asia:
*[[Cambodian New Year]] in [[Cambodia]], [[Thingyan]] in [[Burma]], [[Songkran festival]] in [[Thailand]] and other festivals of [[East Asia]] and [[South-East Asia]]

However, this is not the universal new year for all Hindus. For some, such as those in and near Gujarat, the new year festivities coincide with the five day [[Diwali]] festival. For others, the new year falls on [[Ugadi]] and [[Gudi Padwa]], which falls about two weeks before Bohag Bihu.

==See also==
*[[Bihu Songs of Assam]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
{{refbegin}}
* {{citation| first = S L| last=Baruah|title=A Comprehensive History of Assam| year=1986| publisher = Munshiram Manoharlal}}
* {{Cite journal| last = Barua| first=Hem| title = The Bihu Festival| journal= Indian Literature| volume=16 |number= 3/4| year=1973| pages= 35–43| jstor=24157200}}
* {{Cite journal| last = Barua| first=Maan| title = The Ecological Basis of the Bihu Festival of Assam| journal= Folklore| volume=120 |number= 2| year=2009| pages= 213–223| doi=10.1080/00155870902969400| jstor=40646515| s2cid=162337950}}
* Das, Debendra Prasad ''[http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=apr1407\edit3 Rongali Bihu through the ages]'', The Assam Tribune, 14 April 2007.
* Dowerah, Sawpon ''[http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=apr1407\edit2 Rongali Bihu-the spring festival of Assam]'', The Assam Tribune, 14 April 2007.
* Goswami, Prafulladatta (1988) ''Bohag Bihu of Assam and Bihu songs'', Publication Board, Assam.
*{{Cite book|last=Tamang|first=Jyoti Prakash|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6NPMDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA61|title=Ethnic Fermented Foods and Alcoholic Beverages of Asia|date=2016|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-81-322-2800-4|language=en}}
{{refend}}

===Web sources===
{{reflist|group=web}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Bihu}}

{{Fairs and Festivals in Assam}}

[[Category:January observances]]
[[Category:April observances]]
[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:Symbols of Assam]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Assam Praant (India)]]
[[Category:Festivals in Assam]]
[[Category:Culture of Assam]]
[[Category:New Year in India]]
[[Category:Tourism in Northeast India]]

Emblem of Telangana

2023-03-09T16:41:00Z

91.235.65.22:

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox coat of arms
| name = Emblem of Telangana
| image = Government of Telangana Logo.png
| image_width = 150
| lesser_caption =
| armiger = The [[Government of Telangana]]
| year_adopted = 2 June 2014
| crest = The [[National Emblem of India]]
| torse =
| shield = [[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]], [[Charminar]]
| supporters =
| compartment =
| motto = "सत्यमेव जयते" ([[Satyameva Jayate]], [[Sanskrit]] for "Truth Alone Triumphs")
| orders =
| other_elements =
| earlier_versions =
| use = As State Emblem
}}

The '''Emblem of Telangana''' is the state emblem of [[Telangana]] in [[South India]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hubert-herald.nl/BhaTelangana.htm | title=Telangana | publisher=hubert-herald.nl | access-date=20 February 2020 }}</ref> The arms has the [[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]] in the middle, and the [[Charminar]] inside it and bordered in green.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/Telangana-State-Emblem-Looks-Simple-Yet-Profound/2014/05/31/article2255610.ece |title=Telangana State Emblem Looks Simple Yet Profound |work=The New Indian Express |date=31 May 2014| access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/telangana-to-have-new-logo/1/364228.html |title=Exclusive: Telangana to have unique logo : South, News -|work=India Today|date=29 May 2014| access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

==Design==
The emblem is a circular seal consisting of the [[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]] and [[Charminar]] with the [[Sarnath Lion Capital]] above. It has "Government of Telangana" in English, "Telangana Sarkar" in Urdu and "Telangana Prabhutvam" in Telugu. ''[[Satyameva Jayate]]'' is written in [[Sanskrit]].

<gallery>
File:Warangal fort.jpg|[[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]]
File:Charminar-Pride of Hyderabad.jpg|[[Charminar]]
</gallery>

==History==
The emblem was designed by painter, [[Laxman Aelay]].<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://ardizen.com/post/from-the-streets-of-kadirenigudem-by-laxman-aelay|title = From the Streets of Kadirenigudem|date = 11 November 2015|access-date = 17 November 2015|website = Ardizen|publisher = }}</ref> It was adopted on 2 June 2014 after the newly formed government headed by [[K. Chandrashekar Rao]] adopted it. It was the first file to be signed by him after swearing in. Initially, [[Charminar]] was not included, but after the advice of [[Asaduddin Owaisi]], ([[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] MP), it was added.

Initially the national motto was written below the emblem. Naresh Kadyan, Abhishek Kadyan, and Sukanya Kadyan complained to the government about the supposed insult of the Emblem without the motto. The [[Lion Capital of Ashoka|Sarnath Lion Capital]], when used in heraldry, is mandated to have the words ''[[Satyameva Jayate]]'' underneath it, as per the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improver Use) Act, 2005, which the new logo violated when it was first released.<ref>{{cite news|last=Baseerat|first=Bushra|date=4 Jun 2014|title=Has Telangana government got the emblem wrong? -|work=The Economic Times|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/36040918.cms|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> The emblem was corrected with an amendment approved by the [[Government of Telangana]] on 25 June 2014 made by Laxman Aelay, by moving the ''Satyameva Jayate'' below the Sarnath Lion Capital, complying with the national norm.
===Historic Emblems===
<gallery>
File:Hyderabad Coat of Arms.jpg|Coat of arms of the princely state of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]
File:Asafia flag of Hyderabad State.png|Flag of the princely state of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]
File:Emblem of Hyderabad State (1948–1956).png| Emblem of [[Hyderabad State (1948–1956)]]
</gallery>

==Government banner==
[[Image:Indian state flag of Telangana (proposed).jpg|thumb|Flag of Telangana.]]

The Government of Telangana can be represented by a banner displaying the emblem of the state on a white field.

==See also==
* [[National Emblem of India]]
* [[List of Indian state emblems]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Indian state emblems}}

[[Category:Government of Telangana]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Telugu Praant (India)]]
[[Category:Indian state seals|Telangana]]
[[Category:Indian coats of arms|Telangana]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with lions|Telangana]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with buildings|Telangana]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with the dharmachakra|Telangana]]

Chital

2023-03-09T15:38:47Z

91.235.65.22:

{{Short description|Species of deer}}
{{EngvarB|date = December 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Chital
| image = A chital stag 1.JPG
| image_caption = Stag
| image2 = Spotted deer (Axis axis) female.jpg
| image2_caption = Doe Both in [[Kanha National Park]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |title=''Axis axis'' |name-list-style=amp |author=Duckworth, J.W. |author2=Kumar, N.S. |author3=Anwarul Islam, M. |author4=Sagar Baral, H. |author5=Timmins, R. |date=2015 |page=e.T41783A22158006 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T41783A22158006.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| taxon = Axis axis
| authority = ([[Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben|Erxleben]], 1777)
| range_map = Chital range map.png
| range_map_caption = Distribution of chital (2011)<ref name=iucn />
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="sri">{{cite book |title=South Asian Mammals: their Diversity, Distribution, and Status |last1=Srinivasulu |first1=C. |last2=Srinivasulu |first2=B. |publisher=Springer |location=New York |url={{Google Books|id=PEsIul417ewC|plainurl=yes|page=357}} |date=2012 |pages=357–358 |isbn=978-1-4614-3449-8}}</ref><ref name=MSW3 />
| synonyms = {{collapsible list
|''Axis major'' {{small|Hodgson, 1842}}
|''A. minor'' {{small|Hodgson, 1842}}
|''Cervus axis ceylonensis''{{small| ([[Johann Baptist Fischer|J. B. Fischer]], 1829)}}
|''C. a. indicus'' {{small|(J. B. Fischer, 1829)}}
|''C. a. maculatus'' {{small|([[Robert Kerr (writer)|Kerr]], 1792)}}
|''C. a. zeylanicus'' {{small|([[Richard Lydekker|Lydekker]], 1905)}}
|''C. nudipalpebra'' {{small|(Ogilby, 1831)}}
|''Rusa axis zeylanicus'' {{small|(Lydekker, 1905)}}
}}
}}

The '''chital''' (''Axis axis''; {{IPAc-en|tʃ|iː|t|əl}}), also known as '''spotted deer''', '''chital deer''', and '''axis deer''', is a [[deer]] [[species]] native to the [[Indian subcontinent]]. It was first described and given a binomial name by German naturalist [[Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben]] in 1777. A moderate-sized deer, male chital reach nearly {{cvt|90|cm}} and females {{cvt|70|cm}} at the shoulder. While males weigh {{cvt|30|-|75|kg}}, the lighter females weigh {{cvt|25|-|45|kg}}. It is [[sexually dimorphic]]; males are larger than females, and [[antler]]s are present only on males. The upper parts are golden to rufous, completely covered in white spots. The abdomen, [[Rump (animal)|rump]], throat, insides of legs, ears, and tail are all white. The antlers, three-pronged, are nearly {{cvt|1|m}} long.

==Etymology==
The vernacular name "chital" (pronounced {{IPAc-en|tʃ|iː|t|əl}})<ref>{{Dictionary.com|Chital|access-date=24 December 2019}}</ref>
comes from ''cītal'' ({{lang-hi|चीतल}}), derived from the [[Sanskrit Language|Sanskrit]] word ''{{IAST|citrala}}'' (चित्रल), meaning "variegated" or "spotted".<ref>{{cite book |last=Platts |first=J. T. |author-link=John Thompson Platts |year=1884 |chapter=चीतल ćītal |title=A Dictionary of Urdu, Classical Hindi, and English |location=London |publisher=W. H. Allen & Co |chapter-url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/platts_query.py?qs=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B2&matchtype=default |page=470}}</ref>
The name of the [[cheetah]] has a similar origin.<ref>{{MerriamWebsterDictionary|Cheetah|access-date=10 March 2016}}</ref>
Variations of "chital" include "cheetal" and "cheetul".<ref>{{Cite Merriam-Webster|Chital|access-date=24 December 2019}}</ref>
Other common names for the chital are Indian spotted deer (or simply the spotted deer) and axis deer.<ref name=iucn />

==Taxonomy and phylogeny==
The chital was first [[Scientific description|described]] by [[Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben]] in 1777 as ''Cervus axis''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Erxleben |first=J. C. P. |author-link=Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben |date=1777 |chapter=''Axis'' |title=Systema Regni Animalis per Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, Varietates cvm Synonymia et Historia Animalivm |language=la |page=312 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/iochristpolycerx00erxl/page/312}}</ref>
In 1827, [[Charles Hamilton Smith]] placed the chital in its own [[subgenus]] ''Axis'' under the [[Genus (biology)|genus]] ''[[Cervus]]''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Cuvier |first=G. |author-link=Georges Cuvier |date=1827 |title=The Animal Kingdom arranged in Conformity with its Organization |publisher=William Clowes |location=London |volume=5 |page=312 |url={{Google Books|id=VexZAAAAcAAJ|plainurl=yes|page=312}}}}</ref><ref name=MSW3>{{MSW3 Artiodactyla |id=14200345 |page=661 |heading=Species ''Axis axis''}}</ref>
''Axis'' was elevated to generic status by [[Colin Groves|Colin P. Groves]] and [[Peter Grubb (zoologist)|Peter Grubb]] in 1987.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Groves |first1=C. P. |author1-link=Colin Groves |last2=Grubb |first2=P. |author2-link=Peter Grubb (zoologist) |year=1987 |chapter=Relationships of living deer |title=Biology and Management of the Cervidae |editor=Wemmer, C. M. |publisher=Smithsonian Institution Press |location=Washington, D.C. |pages=21–59 |isbn=978-0-87474-980-9}}</ref>
The genus ''[[Hyelaphus]]'' was considered a subgenus of ''Axis''.<ref name=sri /> However, a morphological analysis showed significant differences between ''Axis'' and ''Hyelaphus''.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Meijaard, E. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Groves, C.P. |year=2004 |title=Morphometrical relationships between South-east Asian deer (Cervidae, tribe Cervini): evolutionary and biogeographic implications |journal=Journal of Zoology |volume=263 |issue=2 |pages=179–196 |url=https://www.academia.edu/16340041 |doi=10.1017/S0952836904005011}}</ref>
A phylogenetic study later that year showed that ''Hyelaphus'' is closer to the genus ''[[Rusa (genus)|Rusa]]'' than ''Axis''. ''Axis'' was revealed to be [[paraphyletic]] and distant from ''Hyelaphus'' in the phylogenetic tree; the chital was found to form a clade with the [[barasingha]] (''Rucervus duvaucelii'') and the [[Schomburgk's deer]] (''Rucervus schomburgki''). The chital was estimated to have [[Genetic divergence|genetically diverged]] from the ''[[Rucervus]]'' lineage in the [[Early Pliocene]] about {{mya|5}}. The following cladogram is based on a 2006 phylogenetic study:<ref name="Gilbert2006">{{cite journal |author1=Gilbert, C. |author2=Ropiquet, A. |author3=Hassanin, A. |title=Mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies of Cervidae (Mammalia, Ruminantia): Systematics, morphology, and biogeography | journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution |date=2006 |volume=40 |issue=1 |pages=101–117 |doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2006.02.017 |pmid=16584894 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7194962}}</ref>

{{clade | style=font-size:90%;line-height:100%;
|label1=
|1={{clade
|1=''[[Cervus]]'', [[fallow deer]] (''Dama dama''), [[Père David's deer]] (''Elaphurus davidianus'') and ''Rusa''
|2={{clade | label1=''Rucervus''
|1= {{clade
|1=Barasinga
|2=Schomburgk's deer }}
|label2=''Axis''
|2= {{clade
|1='''Chital'''
|2=[[Indian hog deer]] (''A. porcinus'')
}}
}}
}}
|2=[[Muntjac]]s (''Muntiacus'')
}}

Fossils of extinct ''Axis'' species dating to the early to [[middle Pliocene]] were excavated from Iran in the west to Indochina in the east.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Di Stefano |first1=G. |last2=Petronio |first2=C. |year=2002 |name-list-style=amp |title=Systematics and evolution of the Eurasian Plio-Pleistocene tribe Cervini (Artiodactyla, Mammalia) |journal=Geologica Romana |volume=36 |issue=311 |page=e334 |url=http://tetide.geo.uniroma1.it/dst/grafica_nuova/pubblicazioni_DST/geologica_romana/Volumi/VOL%2036/GR_36_311_334_DI%20Stefano%20et%20al.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310214846/http://tetide.geo.uniroma1.it/dst/grafica_nuova/pubblicazioni_DST/geologica_romana/Volumi/VOL%2036/GR_36_311_334_DI%20Stefano%20et%20al.pdf |archive-date=10 March 2016}}</ref>

==Description==
[[File:Spotted deer (Axis axis) male.jpg|thumb|Male in velvet, [[Kanha National Park]]]]
The chital is a moderately sized deer. Males reach nearly {{cvt|90|cm}} and females {{cvt|70|cm}} at the shoulder; the head-and-body length is around {{cvt|1.7|m}}. While immature males weigh {{cvt|30|-|75|kg}}, the lighter females weigh {{cvt|25|-|45|kg}}. Mature males can weigh up to {{cvt|98|to|110|kg}}.<ref name="waring">{{cite journal |last=Waring |first=G.H. |year=1996 |title=Preliminary study of the behavior and ecology of axis deer on Maui, Hawaii |journal=Online Report Presented by the Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR) Project |url=http://www.hear.org/AlienSpeciesInHawaii/waringreports/axisdeer.htm}}</ref>
The tail, {{cvt|20|cm}} long, is marked by a dark stripe that stretches along its length. The species is sexually dimorphic; males are larger than females, and [[antler]]s are present only on males.<ref name="texas">{{cite book |last=Schmidly |first=D.J. |date=2004 |title=The Mammals of Texas |edition=Revised |publisher=University of Texas Press |location=Austin, Texas (USA) |pages=263–264 |url=http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/cervaxis.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231200105/http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/cervaxis.htm |archive-date=31 December 2017 |isbn=978-1-4773-0886-8}}</ref>

The [[Dorsum (anatomy)|dorsal]] (upper) parts are golden to rufous, completely covered in white spots. The abdomen, rump, throat, insides of legs, ears, and tail are all white.<ref name=texas /> A conspicuous black stripe runs along the spine (back bone).<ref name="kays">{{cite book |last1=Kays |first1=R.W. |last2=Wilson |first2=D.E. |date=2009 |title=Mammals of North America |edition=2nd |publisher=Princeton University Press |location=Princeton, New Jersey (USA) |page=166 |isbn=978-069114092-6}}</ref>
The chital has well-developed [[preorbital gland]]s (near the eyes) with stiff hairs.<ref name="valerius" /> It also has well-developed [[metatarsal]] glands and pedal glands located in its hind legs. The preorbital glands, larger in males than in females, are frequently opened in response to certain stimuli.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Groves |first1=C. |last2=Grubb |first2=P. |year=1982 |title=Relationships of living deer |journal=Biology and Management of the Cervidae: A Conference Held at the Conservation and Research Center, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, Front Royal, Virginia, 1–5 August 1982 |pages=21–59}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Müller-Schwarze |first=D. |year=1982 |title=Evolution of cervid olfactory communication |journal=Biology and Management of the Cervidae: A Conference Held at the Conservation and Research Center, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, Front Royal, Virginia, 1–5 August 1982 |pages=223–234}}</ref>

Each of the antlers has three lines on it. The brow [[Tine (structural)|tine]] (the first division in the antler) is roughly perpendicular to the beam (the central stalk of the antler).<ref name="texas" /> The antlers, three-pronged, are nearly {{cvt|1|m}} long.<ref name="ables">{{cite book |last=Ables |first=E.D. |date=1984 |title=The Axis Deer in Texas |publisher=Texas A & M University Press |location=Texas, USA |pages=1–86 |isbn=978-089096196-4}}</ref>
Antlers, as in most other cervids, are shed annually. The antlers emerge as soft [[Tissue (biology)|tissues]] (known as velvet antlers) and progressively harden into bony structures (known as hard antlers), following [[Mineralization (biology)|mineralisation]] and blockage of [[blood vessel]]s in the tissue, from the tip to the base.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Fletcher |first=T.J. |year=1986 |title=Reproduction: seasonality |journal=Management and Diseases of Deer: A Handbook for the Veterinary Surgeon |pages=17–18}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kay |first1=R.N.B. |last2=Phillippo |first2=M. |last3=Suttie |first3=J.M. |last4=Wenham |first4=G. |year=1982 |title=The growth and mineralization of antlers |journal=Journal of Physiology |volume=322 |page=4}}</ref>
A study of the mineral composition of the antlers of captive barasinga, chital, and hog deer showed that the antlers of the deer are very similar. The mineral content of the chital's antlers was determined to be (per kg) {{cvt|6.1|mg}} copper, {{cvt|8.04|mg}} cobalt, and {{cvt|32.14|mg}} zinc.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pathak |first1=N.N |last2=Pattanaik |first2=A.K |last3=Patra |first3=R.C |last4=Arora |first4=B.M |year=2001 |title=Mineral composition of antlers of three deer species reared in captivity |journal=Small Ruminant Research |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=61–65 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248444100 |doi=10.1016/S0921-4488(01)00218-8}}</ref>

Hooves measure between {{cvt|4.1|and|6.1|cm}} in length; hooves of the fore legs are longer than those of the hind legs. The toes taper to a point.<ref name=waring /> The [[dental formula]] is {{DentalFormula|upper=0.1.3.3|lower=3.1.3.3}}, same as the [[elk]].<ref name=texas /> The [[Milk teeth|milk]] [[Canine tooth|canine]], nearly {{cvt|1|cm}} long, falls off before one year of age, but is not replaced by a [[Permanent teeth|permanent]] tooth as in other cervids.<ref name=valerius />
cvtCompared to the hog deer, the chital has a more [[cursorial]] build. The antlers and brow tines are longer than those in the hog deer. The pedicles (the bony cores from which antlers arise) are shorter, and the [[Tympanic part of the temporal bone|auditory bullae]] are smaller in the chital.<ref name=valerius /> The chital may be confused with the [[fallow deer]]. Chital have several white spots, whereas fallow deer usually have white splotches. Fallow also have palmate antlers whereas chital have 3 distinct points on each side. The chital has a prominent white patch on its throat, while the throat of the fallow deer is completely white. The biggest distinction is the dark brown stripe running down the chital's back.<ref name="afn">{{cite book |last=McGlashan |first=A. |date=2011 |title=Al McGlashan's Hunting Australia |publisher=Australian Fishing Network |location=Croydon, London (UK) |pages=76–80 |isbn=978-186513189-4}}</ref>
The hairs are smooth and flexible.<ref name=waring />

==Distribution and habitat==
The chital ranges over 8–30°N in [[India]] and through [[Nepal]], [[Bhutan]], [[Bangladesh]], and [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name=MSW3 />
The western limit of its range is eastern [[Rajasthan]] and [[Gujarat]]. The northern limit is along the [[Terai]] belt of the foothills of the [[Himalaya]] and from [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Uttaranchal]] through to Nepal, northern [[West Bengal]] and [[Sikkim]] and then to western [[Assam]] and the forested valleys of Bhutan, which are below an elevation of {{cvt|1100|m}}.<ref name=iucn /> The eastern limit of its range is through western Assam<ref>{{cite book |author=Gee, E.P. |year=1964 |title=The wild life of India |location=London |publisher=Collins |chapter= |chapter-url= |isbn=}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Choudhury, A.U. |year=1994 |title=Checklist of the Mammals of Assam |location=Guwahati, India |publisher=Gibbon Books |url= |chapter= |chapter-url= |isbn=81-900866-0-X}}</ref> to the [[Sunderbans]] of West Bengal and Bangladesh.<ref name=iucn /> [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] and Sri Lanka are the southern limits.<ref name="schaller" /> Chital occur sporadically in the forested areas throughout the rest of the Indian peninsula.<ref name=sankar>{{cite journal |author1=Sankar, K. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Acharya, B. |year=2004 |title=Chital (''Axis axis'' (Erxleben, 1777) |journal=ENVIS Bulletin |issue=7 |pages=171–180 |url=}}</ref>
Within Bangladesh, it currently only exists in the Sundarbans and some ecoparks situated around the Bay of Bengal, as it became extinct in the central and north-east of the country.<ref name=iucn />

===Australia===
The chital was the first species of deer introduced into [[Australia]] in the early 1800s by Dr. John Harris, surgeon to the New South Wales Corps, and he had about 400 of these animals on his property by 1813. These did not survive, and the primary range of the chital is now confined to a few cattle stations in North [[Queensland]] near Charters Towers and several feral herds on the NSW north and south{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} coasts. While some of the stock originated from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), the Indian race likely is also represented.<ref>{{cite web |title=Australia's Wild Deer |website=Australian Deer Research Foundation (ADRF) |url=http://adrf.com.au/content/view/35/79/ |access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Deer in Australia |website=[[Australian Deer Association]] |url=http://www.austdeer.com.au/deer-in-australia/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220190655/http://www.austdeer.com.au/deer-in-australia/ |access-date=17 February 2016 |archive-date=20 February 2016}}</ref>

===The United States===
In the 1860s, axis deer were introduced to the island of [[Molokai]], [[Hawaii]], as a gift from Hong Kong to [[King Kamehameha V]]. The deer were introduced to [[Lanai]], another of the [[Hawaiian Islands]], soon afterward and are now plentiful on both islands. The deer were introduced to Maui island in the 1950s to increase hunting opportunities. Because the deer have no natural predators on the Hawaiian islands, their population is growing 20 to 30% each year, causing serious damage to agriculture and natural areas.<ref>{{cite news |last=McAvoy |first=A. |date=2012 |title=Mystery deer growth pitting hunters against Hawaii |agency=Associated Press |url=https://news.yahoo.com/mystery-deer-growth-pitting-hunters-against-hawaii-173250448.html |access-date=24 May 2012}}</ref>

Releasing them on the [[Hawaii (island)|island of Hawaii]] was planned, as well, but this was abandoned after pressure from scientists over damage to landscapes caused by the deer on other islands. In 2012, deer were spotted on the island of Hawaii; wildlife officials believe people had flown the deer by helicopter and transported them by boat onto the island. In August 2012, a helicopter pilot pleaded guilty to transporting four axis deer from [[Maui]] to Hawaii.<ref>{{cite news |author=Audrey McAvoy |date=22 August 2012 |title=Alleged animal smugglers used helicopters to fly sheep to Maui, deer to Big Island |agency=Associated Press |url=https://news.yahoo.com/alleged-animal-smugglers-used-helicopters-fly-sheep-maui-053016426.html |access-date=22 August 2012}}</ref>
Hawaiian law now prohibits "the intentional possession or interisland transportation or release of wild or feral deer."<ref>{{citation |title=New law prohibits having or releasing feral deer in Hawaii |newspaper=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/159949735.html?id=159949735 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626141712/http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/159949735.html?id=159949735 |date=21 June 2012 |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=26 June 2012}}</ref>

In 1932, axis deer were introduced to [[Texas]]. In 1988, self-sustaining herds were found in 27 counties, located in [[central Texas|Central]] and [[South Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Davis |first=William B., and David J. Schmidly |title=Axis Deer |work=The Mammals of Texas – Online Edition |publisher=Texas Tech University |url=http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/cervaxis.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231200105/http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/cervaxis.htm |access-date=24 May 2012 |archive-date=31 December 2017}}</ref>
The deer are most populous on the [[Edwards Plateau]], where the land is similar to that of India.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ables |first=Ernest D. |title=Axis Deer |work=Handbook of Texas Online |publisher=Texas State Historical Association |url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/tca03 |access-date=24 May 2012}}</ref>

===Croatia===
Chital of unknown origin were introduced to the island of [[Brijuni]] in 1911. They also live on [[Rab Island]], and the population on the two islands comprised about 200 individuals as of 2010. Attempts by hunters to introduce the species to the mainland of [[Croatia]] were unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Kusak, J. |author2=Krapinec, K. |name-list-style=amp |date=2010 |chapter=23. Ungulates and their management in Croatia |pages=527–539 |title=European Ungulates and their Management in the 21st Century |editor1-last=Apollonio |editor1-first=M. |editor2-last=Andersen |editor2-first=R. |editor3-last=Putman |editor3-first=R. |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=9780521760614 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-ycg5PtQPugC&pg=PA527}}</ref>

==Behaviour and ecology==
[[File:Axis axis (Nagarhole, 2010).jpg|thumb|Male feeding in Nagarhole]]
[[File:Spotted deer (Axis axis) female running.jpg|thumb|Female running in Mudumalai]]
Chital are active throughout the day. In the summer, time is spent in rest under shade, and the sun's glare is avoided if the temperature reaches {{Convert|80|F|C}}; activity peaks as dusk approaches. As days grow cooler, foraging begins before sunrise and peaks by early morning. Activity slows down during midday, when the animals rest or loiter about slowly. Foraging recommences by late afternoon and continues till midnight. They fall asleep a few hours before sunrise, typically in the forest which is cooler than the glades.<ref name=schaller /> These deer typically move in a single file on specific tracks, with a distance of two to three times their width between them, when on a journey, typically in search of food and water sources.<ref name=texas /> A study in the [[Gir National Park]] ([[Gujarat]], India) showed that chital travel the most in summer of all seasons.<ref name="gir">{{cite thesis |last=Dave |first=C.V. |year=2008 |type=PhD thesis |title=Ecology of Chital (''Axis axis'') in Gir |publisher=[[Saurashtra University]] |url=http://etheses.saurashtrauniversity.edu/902/1/dave_c_wildlife%20science_thesis.pdf |pages=21–209}}</ref>

When cautiously inspecting its vicinity, the chital stands motionless and listens with rapt attention, facing the potential danger, if any. This stance may be adopted by nearby individuals, as well. As an antipredator measure, chital flee in groups (unlike the hog deer that disperse on alarm); sprints are often followed by hiding in dense [[undergrowth]]. The running chital has its tail raised, exposing the white underparts.<ref name=schaller /> The chital can leap and clear fences as high as {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} but prefers to dive under them. It stays within {{convert|300|m|ft|abbr=on}} of cover.<ref name=valerius />

A gregarious animal, the chital forms matriarchal herds comprising an adult female and her offspring of the previous and the present year, which may be associated with individuals of any age and either sex, male herds, and herds of juveniles and mothers.<ref name="ables" /><ref name="wg" /> Small herds are common, though aggregations of as many as 100 individuals have been observed.<ref name="texas" /> Groups are loose and disband frequently, save for the juvenile-mother herd.<ref name="de silva">{{cite journal |last1=de Silva |first1=P.K. |last2=de Silva |first2=M. |year=1993 |title=Population structure and activity rhythm of the spotted deer in Ruhuna National Park, Sri Lanka |journal=Developments in Animal and Veterinary Sciences |issue=26 |pages=285–294}}</ref>
Herd membership in [[Texas]] is typically up to 15;<ref name="ables" /> herds can have five to 40 members in India.<ref name="schaller" /><ref name="ap">{{cite journal |last=Srinivasulu |first=C. |year=2001 |title=Chital (''Axis axis'' Erxleben, 1777) herd composition and sex ratio on the Nallamala Hills of Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India |journal=Zoos' Print Journal |volume=16 |issue=12 |pages=655–658 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242201796 |doi=10.11609/jott.zpj.16.12.655-8}}</ref>
Studies in the [[Nallamala Hills]] ([[Andhra Pradesh]], India) and the [[Western Ghats]] (western coast of India) showed seasonal variation in the [[sex ratio]] of herds; this was attributed to the tendency of females to isolate themselves ahead of parturition. Similarly, rutting males leave their herds during the mating season, hence altering the herd composition.<ref name="wg">{{cite journal |last1=Ramesh |first1=T. |last2=Sankar |first2=K. |last3=Qureshi |first3=Q. |last4=Kalle |first4=R. |year=2010 |title=Group size, sex and age composition of chital (''Axis axis'') and sambar (''Rusa unicolor'') in a deciduous habitat of Western Ghats |journal=Mammalian Biology – Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde |volume=77 |issue=1 |pages=53–59 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229353967 |doi=10.1016/j.mambio.2011.09.003}}</ref>
Large herds were most common in monsoon, observed foraging in the grasslands.<ref name="ap" /> Predators of the chital include [[Indian wolf|wolves]], [[Bengal tiger]]s, [[Asiatic lion]]s, [[Indian leopard|leopards]], [[Indian rock python]]s, [[dhole]]s, [[Indian pariah dog]]s, and [[mugger crocodile]]s. [[Red fox]]es and [[golden jackal]]s target juveniles. Males are less vulnerable than females and juveniles.<ref name="valerius" /><ref name="schaller" />

A vocal animal, the chital, akin to the [[North American elk]], gives out bellows and alarm barks.<ref name="texas" /> Its calls are, however, not as strong as those of elk or [[red deer]]; they are mainly coarse bellows or loud growls.<ref name="valerius" /> Bellowing coincides with rutting.<ref name="schaller" /><ref name="Mishra 1987">Mishra, H. and Wemmer, C. 1987. "The comparative breeding ecology of four cervids in Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal". Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press.</ref>
Dominant males guarding females in [[oestrus]] make high-pitched growls at less powerful males.<ref name="valerius" /> Males may moan during aggressive [[Display (zoology)|displays]] or while resting.<ref name="ables" /> Chital, mainly females and juveniles, bark persistently when alarmed or if they encounter a predator. Fawns in search of their mother often squeal. The chital can respond to the alarm calls of several animals, such as the [[common myna]] and [[langur]]s.<ref name="valerius" />

Marking behaviour is pronounced in males. Males have well-developed [[preorbital gland]]s (near the eyes). They stand on their hind legs to reach tall branches and rub the open preorbital glands to deposit their scent there. This posture is also used while foraging. Urine marking is also observed; the smell of urine is typically stronger than that of the deposited scent. Sparring between males begins with the larger male displaying his dominance before the other; this display consists of hissing heading away from the other male with the tail facing him, the nose pointing to the ground, the ears down, the antlers upright, and the upper lip raised. The fur often bristles during the display. The male approaches the other in a slow gait. Males with velvet antlers may hunch over instead of standing erect as the males with hard antlers. The opponents then interlock their horns and push against each other, with the smaller male producing a sound at times which is louder than that produced by [[sambar deer]], but not as much as the barasinga's. The fight terminates with the males stepping backward, or simply leaving and foraging.<ref name="valerius" /> Fights are not generally serious.<ref name="schaller" />

Individuals may occasionally bite one another.<ref name="valerius" /> [[Common myna]]s are often attracted to the chital.<ref name=waring /> An interesting relationship has been observed between herds of chital and troops of the [[northern plains grey langur]]s, a widespread South Asian monkey. Chital benefit from the langurs' eyesight and ability to post a lookout from trees, while the langur benefit from the chital's strong sense of smell, both of which help keep a check on potential danger.<ref name="schaller" /> The chital also benefit from fruits dropped by langurs from trees such as ''[[Terminalia bellirica]]'' and ''[[Phyllanthus emblica]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Prasad |first1=S. |last2=Chellam |first2=R. |last3=Krishnaswamy |first3=J. |last4=Goyal |first4=S.P. |year=2004 |title=Frugivory of ''Phyllanthus emblica'' at Rajaji National Park, northwest India |journal=Current Science |volume=87 |issue=9 |pages=1188–1190 |url=http://www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/nov102004/1188.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Newton |first=P.N. |year=1989 |title=Associations between langur monkeys (''Presbytis entellus'') and chital deer (''Axis axis''): Chance encounters or a mutualism? |journal=Ethology |volume=83 |issue=2 |pages=89–120 |doi=10.1111/j.1439-0310.1989.tb00522.x}}</ref>
The chital has been observed foraging with sambar deer in the Western Ghats.<ref name=wg />

===Diet===
[[File:Nagjirar ekla harin - Debabrata Ghosh.jpg|thumbnail|right|Chital graze when grasses are available, else they browse.]]
Grazers as well as [[Browsing (herbivory)|browsers]], the chital mainly feed on grasses throughout the year. They prefer young shoots, in the absence of which, tall and coarse grasses are nibbled off at the tips. Browse forms a major portion of the diet only in the winter-October to January-when the grasses, tall or dried up, are no longer palatable. Browse includes herbs, shrubs, foliage, fruits, and [[forb]]s; ''[[Moghania]]'' species are often preferred while browsing. Fruits eaten by chital in the [[Kanha National Park]] ([[Madhya Pradesh]], India) include those of ''[[Ficus]]'' species from January to May, ''[[Cordia myxa]]'' from May to June, and ''[[Syzygium cumini]]'' from June to July. Individuals tend to group together and forage while moving slowly.<ref name=schaller /> Chital are generally silent when grazing together. Males often stand on their hindlegs to reach tall branches. Water holes are visited nearly twice daily, with great caution.<ref name="valerius" /> In the Kanha National Park, [[mineral lick]]s rich in calcium and phosphorus pentoxide were scraped at by the [[incisor]]s. Chital also gnaw bones and fallen antlers for their minerals. Males in velvet indulge in such osteophagia to a greater extent.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Barrette|first=C.|date=1985|title=Antler eating and antler growth in wild Axis deer|url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/mamm.1985.49.4.491/html|journal=Mammalia|volume=49|issue=4|doi=10.1515/mamm.1985.49.4.491|issn=0025-1461}}</ref> Chital in the [[Sunderbans]] may be [[omnivore]]s; remains of [[Christmas Island red crab|red crabs]] have been found in the [[rumen]] of individuals.<ref name=schaller />

===Reproduction===
[[File:Chital sparring Kanha.JPG|thumb|Chital bucks sparring]]
[[File:Spotted deer (Axis axis) mother with newborn.jpg|thumb|Female with newborn]]
{{anchor|Breeding}}
Breeding takes place throughout the year, with peaks that vary geographically. [[Sperm]] is produced year-round, though testosterone levels register a fall during the development of the antlers. Females have regular oestrus cycles, each lasting three weeks. The female can conceive again two weeks to four months after the birth. Males sporting hard antlers are dominant over those in velvet or those without antlers, irrespective of their size. Courtship is based on tending bonds. A [[Rut (mammalian reproduction)|rutting]] male fasts during the mating season and follows and guards a female in oestrus. The pair does several bouts of chasing and mutual licking before copulation.<ref name="valerius" />

The newborn is hidden for a week after birth, a period much shorter than most other deer. The mother-fawn bond is not very strong, as the two get separated often, though they can reunite easily as the herds are cohesive. If the fawn dies, the mother can breed once again so as to give birth twice that year. The males continue their growth till seven to eight years. The average lifespan in captivity is nearly 22 years. The longevity in the wild, however, is merely five to ten years.<ref name=valerius /><ref name=schaller />

The chital is found in large numbers in dense deciduous or semievergreen forests and open grasslands.<ref name="schaller">{{cite book |last=Schaller |first=G.B. |date=1984 |title=The Deer and the Tiger: A Study of Wildlife in India |edition=Midway reprinted |publisher=University of Chicago Press |location=Chicago |isbn=978-022673631-0}}</ref>
The highest numbers of chital are found in the forests of India, where they feed upon tall grass and shrubs. Chital have been also spotted in [[Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary]] in Bhutan, which has the only remaining natural sal (''[[Shorea robusta]]'') forest in the country. They do not occur at high altitudes, where they are usually replaced by other species such as the sambar deer. They also prefer heavy forest cover for shade and avoid direct sunlight.<ref name="valerius">{{cite book |last=Geist |first=V. |date=1998 |title=Deer of the World: their Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology |edition=1st |publisher=Stackpole Books |location=Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania |url={{Google Books|plainurl=yes|id=bcWZX-IMEVkC|page=58}} |pages=58–73 |isbn=978-081170496-0}}</ref>

==Conservation status==
The chital is listed on the [[IUCN Red List]] as [[least concern]] "because it occurs over a very wide range within which there are many large populations".<ref name=iucn /> Currently, no range-wide threats to chitals are present, and they live in many protected areas. However, population densities are below ecological carrying capacity in many places due to hunting and competition with domestic livestock. Hunting for the deer's meat has caused substantial declines and local extinctions.<ref name=iucn /> The axis deer is protected under Schedule III of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972)<ref name=sankar /> and under the Wildlife (Preservation) (Amendment) Act, 1974 of Bangladesh.<ref name=iucn /> Two primary reasons for its good conservation status are its legal protection as a species and a network of functioning protected areas.<ref name=iucn />

The chital has been introduced to the [[Andaman Islands]], [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Mexico]], [[Paraguay]], [[Uruguay]], [[Alabama]], [[Point Reyes National Seashore]] in [[California]], [[Florida]], [[Hawaii]], [[Mississippi]], and [[Texas]] in the United States, and the [[Veliki Brijun]] Island in the [[Brijuni|Brijuni Archipelago]] of the [[Istrian Peninsula]] in [[Croatia]].<ref name=iucn /><ref>[http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1676-06032011000300032 First record of the invasive alien species Axis axis (Erxleben, 1777) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Brazil]</ref><ref>[http://www.piriapolis.ws/articulos/articulos_masinfo.php?id=317&secc=articulos&cr=&path=0.580 Ciervo Axis (Axis axis)]</ref>

==See also==
* [[Sri Lankan axis deer]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Wikispecies-inline|Axis axis}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Biology-stub}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q232054}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Axis]]
[[Category:Fauna of South Asia]]
[[Category:Introduced animals of Hawaii]]
[[Category:Introduced mammals of Australia]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1777]]
[[Category:Mammals of Asia]]
[[Category:State symbols of Hyderabad (Osmanistan)]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Telugu Praant (India)]]
[[Category:Mammals of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Mammals of India]]
[[Category:Mammals of Nepal]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Charles Hamilton Smith]]

Coracias benghalensis

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91.235.65.22:

[[Image:Indian Roller.jpg|frameless|right|]]

The '''Indian roller''' ''(Coracias benghalensis)'', is a member of the roller family of birds. They are found widely across tropical [[Asia]] stretching from [[Iraq]] eastward across the [[Indian subcontinent]] to [[Indochina]] and are best known for the aerobatic displays of the male during the breeding season. They are very commonly seen perched along roadside trees and wires and are commonly seen in open grassland and scrub forest habitats. It is not migratory, but undertakes some seasonal movements. It was the state bird of [[Hyderabad State]].

{{Biology-stub}}

[[Category:Birds of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Coraciiformes]]
[[Category:Birds of India]]
[[Category:Birds of Asia]]
[[Category:State symbols of Hyderabad (Osmanistan)]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Orissa Praant (India)]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Telugu Praant (India)]]

Coat of Arms of Pakistan

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91.235.65.22:

[[Image:Coat of arms of Pakistan.svg|right|270px]]

The '''State [[National emblem|Emblem]] of [[Pakistan]]''' was adopted in 1954. The emblem's [[green]] colour and the [[star]] and [[crescent]] at the top are symbols of [[Islam]], the religion with which most Pakistani citizens identify. In the center is a quartered [[shield]], with each quarter containing a major [[crop]] of Pakistan at the time of its adoption: [[cotton]], [[jute]], [[tea]], and [[wheat]]. The floral wreath around the shield is the [[Jasminum officinale]] (the [[List of national flowers|National flower]]) represents the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal era]] cultural heritage of Pakistan. The scroll at the bottom contains the national [[motto]] in [[Urdu]], coined by [[Muhammad Ali Jinnah]], which reads from right to left: ({{lang-ur|ایمان ، اتحاد ، نظم}}) ''Iman, Ittehad, Nazm'' translated as "[[Faith]], [[:wikt:unity|Unity]], [[:wikt:discipline|Discipline]]". Pakistan is located in the Indus Valley region of Asia. The crescent moon is the same as the one on the flag of Pakistan, except the colours are inverted. It is also the religious sign or Symbol of the Muslim faith respectively.

==Regional emblems==
The state/province emblem of [[Azad Jammu and Kashmir]] carries the crescent and star, mountains, and the [[maple leaf]], which is reflective of the abundance of this tree within the state.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.talibilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ajk-logo.png |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-08-05 |archive-date=2016-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017024410/http://www.talibilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ajk-logo.png |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="basicfacts">{{cite web| url=http://www.infopak.gov.pk/BasicFacts.aspx| title=Basic Facts| publisher=Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan| accessdate=2007-11-29| archive-date=2012-03-27| archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66TPGiccn?url=http://www.infopak.gov.pk/BasicFacts.aspx| url-status=dead}}</ref>

<gallery>
Image:Arms of Pakistan.svg|Shield or Arms of Pakistan
Image:Emblem_Of_Azad_Jammu_and_Kashmir.png|Emblem of [[Azad Kashmir]]
Image:Coat of arms of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.svg|Emblem of [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]
Image:Coat of arms of Sindh Province.svg|Emblem of [[Sindh|Sindh, Pakistan]]
Image:Coat of arms of Punjab.svg|Emblem of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]]
Image:Coat of arms of Balochistan.svg|Emblem of [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]]
Image:Coat of arms of FATA.svg|Emblem of the [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas]]
Image:Gilgit Baltistan Government Logo.svg|Emblem of [[Gilgit-Baltistan]]
|Emblem of [[Azad Jammu and Kashmir|Azad Kashmir]]
</gallery>

===Historic Emblems & of Princely Hyderabad State===
<gallery>
File:Junagadh Emblem.jpg|Coat of Arms of the Nawab of Junagarh ('''1947''')
File:CoA Nizam 1893.png|Coat of Arms of Nizam of Hyderabad ('''1869-1911''')
File:In-hyderabad47.png|Coat of Arms of Nizam of Hyderabad ('''1911-1947''')
File:Hyderabad Coat of Arms.jpg|Coat of Arms of Nizam of Hyderabad ('''1947-1948''')
File:State Emblem of Hyderabad.jpg|State Emblem of Hyderabad ('''1947-1948''')<ref>{{Cite web|title=ANDHRA PRADESH|url=http://www.hubert-herald.nl/BhaAndhraP.htm|access-date=2021-07-13|website=www.hubert-herald.nl}}</ref>
</gallery>

==Related pages==
*[[Flag of Pakistan]]
*[[Jasminum officinale]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Asia-stub}}

[[Category:Provincial symbols of West Pakistan (PAKISTAN)]]
[[Category:National symbols of Pakistan| ]]
[[Category:National coats of arms|Pakistan]]

Crocodylus porosus

2023-03-01T18:25:39Z

91.235.65.22:

{{taxobox
| name = Saltwater crocodile
| image = SaltwaterCrocodile('Maximo').jpg
| image_width = 250px
| status_system = iucn2.3
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| classis = [[reptile|Sauropsida]]
| ordo = [[Crocodilia|Crocodylia]]
| familia = [[Crocodylidae]]
| genus = ''[[Crocodylus]]''
| binomial = ''Crocodylus porosus''
| range_map =
| range_map_caption =
}}

The '''Saltwater crocodile''' (''Crocodylus porosus'') is the largest of all living [[reptile]]s.<ref name=pz/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nature.org/newsfeatures/specialfeatures/animals/reptiles/saltwater-crocodile.xml |accessdate=2013-04-27 |title=Saltwater Crocodile |publisher=The Nature Conservancy |date=May 2012 |archive-date=2012-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222141304/http://www.nature.org/newsfeatures/specialfeatures/animals/reptiles/saltwater-crocodile.xml |url-status=dead }}</ref> They are amphibious, living in sea water, rivers and on land. In terms of [[weight]], it is the third largest amphibious animal, after the bull [[elephant seal]] (typically 2700 kg/6000 lb; 5 m or 16 ft) and the [[walrus]].

Crocodiles are an ancient form of life, with [[fossil]]s from 200 million years ago.<ref name="edwards">{{cite book|last=Edwards|first=Hugh|title=Crocodile attack in Australia|publisher=J.B. Books|location=Marleston, South Australia|date=1998|isbn=0646360043}}</ref> 'Salties', as they are commonly called, are found in Northern [[Australia]], [[New Guinea]], some parts of Southeast [[Asia]], and the surrounding waters. They live in habitats near the [[coast]]: rivers, [[swamp]]s, [[Billabong (lake)|billabongs]], beaches and sometimes the open sea.<ref name=qm/>

== Description ==
The saltwater crocodile is a large reptile growing to about {{convert|5|m|ft|0|lk=on|abbr=on}} in length.<ref name="qm">{{cite book|title=Wildlife of Tropical North Queensland|publisher=Queensland Museum|date=2000|isbn=0-7242-9349-3}}</ref> The males are bigger than the female, with some rare individuals as long as 7 metres (23 feet).<ref name="Wood">{{cite book |last= Wood |first=Gerald |title=The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats |year=1983 |pages=256 |isbn=978-0-85112-235-9}}</ref> Others believe in a slightly smaller size of 6.3 metres (20.7 feet).<ref name="Britton2012">{{cite journal|last1=Britton|first1=Adam R. C.|last2=Whitaker|first2=Romulus|last3=Whitaker|first3=Nikhil|title=Here be a Dragon: exceptional size in a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) from the Philippines|journal=Herpetological Review|date=2012|volume=43|issue=4}}</ref> They can weigh up to {{convert|1360|kg|lb|lk=on|abbr=on}}. They have a powerful tail which helps with swimming. They have a wide snout, with big scales making two rows down their neck and back.

Saltwater crocodiles are now a protected species in [[Australia]]. However, if humans are at risk of being attacked, the crocodile is moved to avoid possible harm. Many years ago, Australia used to export crocodile [[skin]]. Between 1945 and 1958 more than 87,000 skins were exported.<ref name=edwards/> They became so scarce that hunters had difficulty finding any. They were protected in [[Western Australia]] in 1969, the [[Northern Territory]] in 1971, and [[Queensland]] in 1974.<ref name=edwards/> Hunting crocodiles is now illegal. There are now farms to breed crocodiles for the skins to make leather, meat and for Chinese medicines.

== Reproduction ==
Saltwater crocodiles [[reproduction|reproduce]] during the wet season, in Australia from November to March. There is a complex [[mate|mating]] ritual which includes them rubbing their heads and bodies together, before they mate in the water.<ref name="az">{{cite web|url=http://www.australiazoo.com.au/our-animals/amazing-animals/reptiles/?reptile=crocodilians&animal=saltwater%20crocodile|title=Saltwater Crocodiles|work=Amazing Animals|publisher=Australian Zoo|language=English}}</ref> The female builds a nest with plants that she breaks off with her teeth, and then pushes together with her back legs.<ref name=az/> A female crocodile can lay up to 60 eggs at a time.<ref name=qm/> These eggs are large, with a hard shell. They take about three months to hatch.<ref name=qm/> If the temperature in the nest is less than 32 degrees Celsius, the baby crocodiles will be female.<ref name="pz">{{cite web|url=http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Animals--Plants/Australia/Australian-Wetlands/Estuarine-Crocodile/|title=Estuarine Crocodile|work=Animals and Plants|publisher=Perth Zoo, [[Western Australia]]|language=English|access-date=2010-02-26|archive-date=2010-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108074641/http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Animals--Plants/Australia/Australian-Wetlands/Estuarine-Crocodile/|url-status=dead}}</ref> If the temperature is between 32 and 33 degrees the babies will be male.<ref name=pz/> When the crocodiles hatch out of the eggs, the mother will carry them in her mouth to the water.<ref name=pz/> Few of them survive in the wild and grow to be adult crocodiles.

== Behavior ==
[[File:Crocodile warning.JPG|thumb|220px|right|Warning sign in [[Queensland]]]]
Saltwater crocodiles can be dangerous (and very aggressive) to both humans and other animals. They can move very fast in the water and on land. Sometimes, they can kill a person, but this does not happen very often. Usually, there are "No Swimming" signs near areas with high crocodile activity. Crocodiles can lie very still for up to one hour. They are able to leap as high as {{convert|2|m|ft|0|lk=on|abbr=on}}.<ref name=edwards/> In March 1987, a [[Toyota]] land cruiser collided with a crocodile at Cahill's Crossing on the East Alligator River. The crocodile knocked the motor car off the roadway with its tail.<ref name=edwards/> Crocodiles can also live in fresh water. Scientists have found crocodiles up to 235 kilometres from the sea.<ref name="ca">{{cite web|url=http://www.outback-crocodile-adventures.com/crocodile-attacks.html|title=Crocodile Attacks|date=2005|work=Outback Crocodile Adventures|language=English|accessdate=2009-12-19|archive-date=2009-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090613023552/http://www.outback-crocodile-adventures.com/crocodile-attacks.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Diet ==
Saltwater crocodiles can go a long time without eating. When they do eat, they catch fish, [[crustacean]]s, birds or grazing animals that have come to the water to drink.<ref name=qm/> The size of prey taken depends on how large the crocodile is.

== Other websites ==
* [http://madrascrocbank.blogspot.com/2008/08/worlds-biggest-crocodiles.html More information about the world's biggest crocodiles]

* [http://www.australianextremes.com Saltwater crocodiles in freedom: Authentic pictures and descriptions]

== References ==
{{wikispecies|Crocodylus porosus}}
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Reptiles of Australia]]
[[Category:National symbols of Olhemaroa]]
[[Category:Crocodilians of Asia]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Orissa Praant (India)]]
[[Category:State symbols of the Independent Territory of East Timor]]

Flame-throated bulbul

2023-03-01T17:06:37Z

91.235.65.22:

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Flame-throated bulbul.jpg
| image_caption = Flame-throated bulbul at [[Dandeli]], India [[File:Pycnonotus gularis, Wayanad, Kerala, India.oga|Calls]]
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref>{{Cite iucn | author = BirdLife International | title = ''Pycnonotus gularis'' | volume = 2016 | page = e.T103826116A104339313 | date = 2016 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T103826116A104339313.en }}</ref>
| taxon = Pycnonotus gularis
| authority = ([[John Gould|Gould]], 1836)
| synonyms = * ''Brachypus gularis'' protonym
* ''Pycnonotus melanicterus gularis''
* ''Brachypus rubineus'' Jerdon, 1839<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/46487902| journal=Madras Journal of Literature and Science|volume=10| year=1839|title=Catalogue of the birds of the peninsula of India...|pages=234–269|author=Jerdon, T.C.}}</ref>
* ''Rubigula gularis''
}}
The '''Flame-throated Bulbul''', '''Ruby-Throated Bulbul''', or the '''Yellow Bulbul''' (''Rubigula gularis'') is a bird found in the south western [[Republic of India]]. It eats fruit and insects, and lives in thick bushes and trees. It is a part of the [[bulbul]] family of [[birds]] and is yellow with a black head and red neck.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

;General references
* Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp ''Birds of India''. {{ISBN|0-691-04910-6}}
* Rasmussen P.C., and J.C. Anderton 2005. ''Birds of South Asia''. The Ripley guide. Volume 2: attributes and status. Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions, Washington D.C. and Barcelona.

{{Commons category|Pycnonotus gularis}}

[[Category:Birds of India]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Konkani Praant (India)]]
[[Category:Passeri]]

{{Biology-stub}}

{{simple-Wikipedia}}

Bison gaurus gaurus

2023-03-01T16:56:23Z

91.235.65.22:

[[Image:Gaur Male.jpg|thumb|Gaur bull]]
The '''Gaur''' (''Bos gaurus gaurus''; {{IPAc-en|ɡ|aʊər}}), also known as the '''Indian bison''', is a bovine native to [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]], and has been listed as [[Vulnerable species|Vulnerable]] on the [[IUCN Red List]] since 1986. The global population was estimated at a maximum of 21,000 mature individuals in 2016. It has declined by more than 70% during the last three generations, and is [[Local extinction|extirpated]] from [[Sri Lanka]] and most likely [[Bangladesh]]. Populations in well-protected areas are stable and increasing.<ref name=iucn />

It is the largest species among the wild cattle and the [[Bovidae]]. In [[Malaysia]], it is called {{Lang|zsm|seladang}}, and {{Transl|my|pyaung}} {{my|ပြောင်}} in [[Myanmar]].<ref name="Hubback37">{{cite journal |last=Hubback |first=T. R. |author-link=Theodore Hubback |year=1937 |title=The Malayan gaur or seladang |journal=Journal of Mammalogy |volume=18 |issue=3 |pages=267–279|doi=10.2307/1374203 |jstor=1374203 }}</ref> The domesticated form of the gaur is called ''[[gayal]]'' (''Bos frontalis'') or ''mithun''.<ref name=Nowak1999>{{cite book |last=Nowak |first=R. M. |year=1999 |chapter=Gaur |pages=1158–1159 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7W-DGRILSBoC&pg=PA1158 |title=Walker's Mammals of the World |volume=1 |publisher=The [[Johns Hopkins University Press]] |location=Baltimore, USA and London, UK|isbn=9780801857898 }}</ref>

Gaur historically occurred throughout mainland South and Southeast Asia, including [[Vietnam]], [[Cambodia]], [[Laos]], [[Thailand]], [[Peninsular Malaysia]], [[Myanmar]], [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Bhutan]], [[China]] and [[Nepal]]. Today, the range of the species is seriously fragmented, and it is regionally extinct in [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name=iucn />

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Bovines]]
[[Category:Fauna of South Asia]]
[[Category:Fauna of Southeast Asia]]
[[Category:Mammals of India]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Bihari Praant (India)]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Konkani Praant (India)]]
[[Category:Mammals of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Mammals of Vietnam]]
[[Category:Mammals of Bhutan]]
[[Category:Mammals of Myanmar]]
[[Category:Mammals of Nepal]]

Emblem of Maharashtra

2023-01-25T15:55:32Z

91.235.65.22:

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Short description|Official seal of the government of the state of Maharashtra}}
{{Infobox coat of arms
| name = Emblem of the State Government of Maharashtra
| image = Seal of Maharashtra.svg
| image_width =
| middle =
| middle_width =
| middle_caption =
| lesser =
| lesser_width =
| lesser_caption =
| armiger = The [[Government of Maharashtra]]
| year_adopted =
| crest =
| torse =
| shield = [[Diya (lamp)|Samai diya lamp]]
| supporters =
| compartment =
| motto = The glory of this seal of the State of Maharashtra will grow like the first day moon. It will be worshipped by the world and will shine only for the well being of its people.
| orders =
| other_elements = [[Nelumbo nucifera|Lotus blossoms]]
| earlier_versions =
| use =
}}
The '''Emblem of the State Government of Maharashtra''' is the [[official seal]] of the government of the [[India]]n [[States of India|state]] of [[Maharashtra]].<ref>{{cite web |title=मुख्य पृष्ठ - महाराष्ट्र शासनाचे अधिकृत संकेतस्थळ, भारत |url=https://maharashtra.gov.in/1125/Home |website=maharashtra.gov.in |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref>

==Design==
The emblem is a circular seal depicting a [[Diya (lamp)|Samai diya lamp]] surrounded by 16 [[Nelumbo nucifera|lotus blossoms]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hubert-herald.nl/BhaMaharashtra.htm |title=Maharashtra |publisher=Hubert-herald.nl |access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> Between the Samai lamp and lotus blossoms is a motto in [[Sanskrit Language|Sanskrit]], प्रतिपच्चंद्रलेखेव वर्धिष्णुर्विश्व वंदिता महाराष्ट्रस्य राज्यस्य मुद्रा भद्राय राजते, (''Pratipaccandralēkhēva vardhiṣṇurviśva vanditā mahārāṣṭrasya rājyasya mudrā bhadrāya rājatē''), which translates as "The glory of this seal of the State Government of Maharashtra will grow like the first day moon. It will be worshipped by the world and will shine only for the well being of its people". The motto is based on one found on the "Rajmudra" (royal seal) used by 17th-century [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] king [[Chhatrapati Shivaji]], the only difference being that the name of the monarch is replaced by the name of the state.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chavan |first1=Vijay |title=State govt’s spin on Chhatrapati Shivaji’s rajmudra draws public ire |url=https://punemirror.com/pune/cover-story/state-govts-spin-on-chhatrapati-shivajis-rajmudra-draws/cid5091889.htm |access-date=16 March 2022 |work=Pune Mirror |date=17 July 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

==Historic emblems==
<gallery>
File:Royal seals of Shivaji.jpg|Royal seals ("Rajmudra") used by [[Chhatrapati Shivaji]] and the [[Maratha Empire]]
File:Indian Embassy in London wall plaque (5).jpg|Emblem of the [[Bombay Presidency]] during the [[British Raj]]
File:Emblem of Bombay State.svg|Emblem of the former [[Bombay State]]
</gallery>

===Former princely states in Maharashtra===
<gallery>
File:COA Jawhar State of Mukne Dynasty (Coat Of Arms).jpg|[[Jawhar State]]
File:Kolhapur State CoA.png|[[Kolhapur State]]
File:Kolhapur State Emblem, 1931.jpg|[[Kolhapur State]] (1931-1946)
File:Kolhapur State Emblem, 1946.jpg|[[Kolhapur State]] (1946-1949)
File:Sawantwadi State CoA.png|[[Sawantwadi State]]
File:COA surgana.jpg|[[Surgana State]]
</gallery>

==State government banner==
The Government of Maharashtra can be represented by a banner displaying the emblem of the state on a white field.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dreamstime.com/maharashtra-state-india-flag-textile-cloth-fabric-waving-top-sunrise-mist-fog-beautiful-maharashtra-state-india-flag-image127909976 |title=Maharashtra State Of India Flag Textile Cloth Fabric Waving On The Top Sunrise Mist Fog Stock Illustration - Illustration of holiday, country: 127909976 |website=Dreamstime |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.worldstatesmen.org/India_states.html |title=Indian states since 1947 |website=Worldstatesmen |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[National Emblem of India]]
* [[List of Indian state emblems]]
* [[Coat of arms of Mumbai]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Indian state emblems}}

[[Category:Government of Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Indian state seals|Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Symbols of Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Marathi Praant (India)]]

Bauhinia variegata

2022-12-31T12:12:30Z

91.235.65.22:

[[Image:Funchal - Bauhinia × blakeana (Orchideenbaum) IMG 2104.jpg|thumb|]]
'''Kachnar''' or the '''Indian Orchid tree''' ''(Bauhinia variegata)'' is a species of [[flowering plant]] in the legume family, [[Fabaceae]]. It is native to an area from China through [[Southeast Asia]] to the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref name=GRIN>{{GRIN | accessdate = 23 April 2019}}</ref> Common names include '''Orchid tree''' (though not belonging to the family [[Orchidaceae]]) and '''Mountain ebony'''.<ref name=GRIN/> In [[Nepal]], the plant is known as ''Koirala'' and the flower is known as ''Koirala ko phool'' in [[Nepali language]]. The flower and the buds are used to make Nepalese style achaar. The flowers and buds are boiled for a while and then mixed with roughly mashed boiled potato, chopped green chilies, chopped onions, fresh peas, coriander leaves and spices like [[Sichuan pepper|''timmur'']], salt, pepper, [[Turmeric|turmeric powder]], roasted [[sesame]] powder (''til ko chhop''), [[Cumin|cumin powder]] and [[Coriander|coriander powder]]. Heated [[mustard oil]] and [[Fenugreek|fenugreek seeds]] is then added to the mixture and then lemon juice or lime juice concentrate (''chuk amilo'' in Nepali) is then added as per taste. The achar is then served instantly. The Achar is important part of the meal served during the [[Ghode Jatra|Ghode Jatra festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-17|title=Koiralo ko Phool ko Achaar|url=https://www.thegundruk.com/koiralo-ko-phool-ko-achaar/|access-date=2022-01-09|website=The Nepali Food Blog {{!}} theGundruk.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

==In cultivation==
This is a very popular [[ornamental tree]] in subtropical and tropical climates, grown for its scented flowers and also used as a food item in [[Indian cuisine]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Bauhinia|variegata]]
[[Category:Flora of India]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Bihari Praant (India)]]
[[Category:Flora of the Indian subcontinent]]
[[Category:Flora of Indo-China]]
[[Category:Garden plants of Asia]]
[[Category:Trees in Buddhism]]
[[Category:Ornamental trees]]

Emblem of Uttar Pradesh

2022-12-29T18:12:48Z

91.235.65.22:

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Short description|Emblem of the Indian State}}
{{Infobox coat of arms
| name = Emblem of Uttar Pradesh
|image = Seal of Uttar Pradesh.svg
| image_width = 200
| middle =
| middle_width =
| middle_caption =
| lesser =
| lesser_width =
| lesser_caption =
| armiger = The [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]]
| year_adopted = 1918
| crest =
| torse =
| shield = A pall wavy, in chief a bow-and-arrow and in base two fishes
| supporters =
| compartment =
| motto =Government of Uttar Pradesh
| orders =
| other_elements =
| earlier_versions =
| use =On state government documents, buildings and stationery
}}

The '''Emblem of Uttar Pradesh''' is the official seal of the government of the [[India]]n [[States of India|state]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. The emblem was originally designed in 1916 for the then [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh]] and continued in use following Indian Independence in 1947.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hubert-herald.nl/BhaUttarPradesh.htm|title=UTTAR PRADESH|website=Hubert-herald.nl|access-date=23 October 2018}}</ref>

== History ==

In the second half of the 18th century the autonomous princes clashed with the [[English East India Company]], expanding from [[Calcutta]] into the valley of the [[Ganges]]. One after the other had to recognize the sovereignty of the Company. In 1816 [[Awadh]] (Oudh) had to accept a [[British protectorate]]. In 1835 all of the territory of modern Uttar Pradesh came, as “[[North-Western Provinces]]”, under [[British rule]]. In 1856 the last ''nawab'' of Awadh was deposed and his empire placed under direct British rule. In 1902 the North-Western Provinces were renamed “[[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh]]”. In 1935 the name was changed into “[[United Provinces (1937–50)|United Provinces]]” and after independence into Uttar Pradesh. With the last change the enclave-states of [[Benares State|Benares]], [[Rampur State|Rampur]] and [[Tehri Garhwal]] were incorporated and in the south parts of [[Samthar]] and [[Charkhari State|Charkari]], princely states formerly belonging to the [[Central Provinces]]. The state emblem probably dates from the time when it was known as United Provinces.

The state emblem of Uttar Pradesh owes its origin to the Royal Society in the United Kingdom, which approved the symbol in 1916. The 'Coat of Arms' adorning all UP government files, letterheads and vehicles and other government stationery, including its publications using it as seal, has an underlined idea. Unveiling this quite an unknown idea first suggested by Mr Baker, assistant director of UP state archives, Dr Sandhya Nagar, says the combination of a "pair of fish and the arrow-bow, embellished with three waves stresses on 'Unity in diversity'. Dr Nagar said the symbolism attached with each of these characters marked their presence in the logo, the pair of fish with the Muslim rulers of Oudh while the bow and arrow identifying Hindu Lord Ram while the waves marked the confluence of the rivers Ganga-Yamuna. The proposed logo also contained a star at the bottom, which was deleted later. "The symbol is a vivid representation of geographical, historical and cultural integrity of Uttar Pradesh," Dr Nagar said.

== Design ==
The emblem consists of a seal depicting the confluence of the [[Ganges]] and [[Yamuna]] rivers at [[Prayagraj]], a pair of [[Matsya]] fish to represent the state of Oudh (Awadh) and a pair of Bow and Arrow representing the Budelkhand area. The legend around the seal translates as "Government of Uttar Pradesh".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/The-emblem-story/articleshow/201009.cms|title=The emblem story|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=23 October 2018}}</ref>

==Government banner==

The Government of Uttar Pradesh can be represented by a banner displaying the emblem of the state on a white field.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dreamstime.com/uttar-pradesh-state-india-flag-textile-cloth-fabric-waving-top-sunrise-mist-fog-beautiful-uttar-pradesh-state-india-image127909984|title = Uttar Pradesh State of India Flag Textile Cloth Fabric Waving on the Top Sunrise Mist Fog Stock Illustration - Illustration of country, pennant: 127909984}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/india_governments_b.html|title = Vexilla Mundi}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:..Uttar Pradesh Flag(INDIA).png|Banner of Uttar Pradesh
</gallery>

==Former princely states in Utter Pradesh==
<gallery>
File:Baoni State CoA.png|[[Baoni State]]
File:Benares State Coat of Arms.png|[[Benares State]]
File:Bhikampur Estate.jpg|[[Bhikampur and Datawali (Aligarh) State|Bhikampur and Datawali State]]
File:CoA Charkhari.png|[[Charkhari State]]
File:Maurha coat of arms.jpg|[[Maurha]]
File:Oudh-arms short.gif|[[Oudh State]]
File:Rampur State Coat of Arms.png|[[Rampur State]]
File:Sailana State CoA.png|[[Sailana State]]
File:Samthar State CoA.png|[[Samthar State]]
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[National Emblem of India]]
* [[List of Indian state emblems]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://up.gov.in/ Government of Uttar Pradesh]
*[https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-meanings-of-the-fishes-and-bow-in-the-logo-of-the-Uttar-Pradesh-government What is the meaning of the Emblem of Uttar Pradesh]

{{Indian state emblems}}

{{Uttar Pradesh}}

[[Category:Government of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Indian state seals|Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Symbols of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Uttar Praant (India)]]

Butea monosperma

2022-12-29T17:59:21Z

91.235.65.22:

[[Image:Butea monosperma Bagh-e-Jinnah.jpg|thumb|240px|Habit of ''B. monosperma'' in [[Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore]]]]
''Butea monosperma'' is a species of ''[[Butea]]'' native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of the [[Indian Subcontinent]] and [[Southeast Asia]].<ref name="GRIN"/> Common names include '''Flame-of-the-forest''', '''Palash''', '''Dhak flower''', and '''bastard teak'''.<ref name="GRIN"/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Phaseoleae]]
[[Category:Trees of the Indian subcontinent]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Uttar Praant (India)]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Jaroonwala Praant (India)]]

Lophophorus impejanus

2022-12-12T15:40:32Z

91.235.65.22:

{{Taxobox
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>BirdLife International. 2012. [http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/100600243/0 ''Lophophs impejanus''.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031072303/http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/100600243/0 |date=2013-10-31 }} In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. Downloaded on 11 June 2013.</ref>
| image = Lophophorus impejanus Zoo DU 2.jpg
| image_caption = Himalayan monal, male
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| classis = [[Bird|Aves]]
| ordo = [[Galliformes]]
| familia = [[Phasianidae]]
| subfamilia = [[Phasianinae]]
| genus = ''[[Monal|Lophophorus]]''
| binomial = ''Lophophorus impejanus''
| range_map = Lophophorus impejanus range map.png
| range_map_width =
| range_map_alt = Map showing range of the Himalayan Monal
| range_map_caption = Range of ''Lophophorus impejanus''}}

The '''Himalayan monal''' ''(Lophophorus impejanus)'', also known as the '''Impeyan monal''', '''Impeyan pheasant''' or the '''Kashmiri pheasant''', is a [[bird]] in the [[pheasant]] family, [[Phasianidae]]. Its discoverer, Latham, wrote in his ''General History of Birds'' (1821): "[the monal] inhabits India, but is not common, being brought from the hills in the northern parts of Hindustan to Calcutta, as a rarity. Lady Impey attempted, with great prospect of success, to bring some of them to England, but after living on board for two months they caught a disorder from the other poultry, and died".<ref name="beebe1">{{cite book | last =Beebe | first =William | title =A monograph of the pheasants | url =https://archive.org/details/monographpheasaIIIBeeb | publisher =Witherby & Co. | location =London | year =1918 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/monographpheasaIIIBeeb/page/145 145] | isbn = }} Available on line in [https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/34629314 Biodiversity Heritage Library]</ref>

It is the [[List of national birds|national bird]] of [[Nepal]], where it is known as the '''Danphe''' (or Danfe),<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://chhayakhanal.com/animals-and-birds/danphe/ |title=Danphe |publisher=Info-Nepal |work=Info-Nepal |accessdate=14 June 2013 |archive-date=20 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920221125/http://chhayakhanal.com/animals-and-birds/danphe/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="zoo">{{Cite web |url=http://www.saczoo.org/document.doc?id=639 |title=Himalayan Monal - Lophophorus impejanus |publisher=Sacramento Zoo |format=pdf |date= December 2003 |work=Sacramento Zoo Birds |accessdate=14 June 2013 }}</ref> and is mentioned frequently in [[Nepali language|Nepali]] songs.<ref name="shrestha21">{{cite book | last =Shrestha | first =Tej Kumar | title =Wildlife of Nepal – a study of renewable resources of the Nepal Himalayas | publisher =Tribhuvan University | location =Kathmandu | year =2003 |pages=321 | isbn =99933-59-02-5 }}</ref> It is also the state bird of [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uttaraguide.com/statesigns.php |title=Uttarakhand State Signs |publisher=uttaraguide.com |year=2012 |accessdate=15 June 2013 |archive-date=7 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107042757/http://uttaraguide.com/statesigns.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> In Kashmir, it is the state/regional bird of the disputed territory.

== Description ==
[[File:Olsniak himalajski Warsaw.jpg|left|thumb|Himalayan monal, female]]
The Himalayan monal is a relatively large-sized [[pheasant]]. The males of this species look quite different from the females of the species. The male Himalayan monals have bright and colorful [[feather]]s of blue, green, purple, and red. They have a white patch of feathers underneath the base of their [[tail]], but the rest of their underside is black. The males also have a [[Crest (feathers)|crest]] (several feathers) on top of their heads. Both the male and female of the species have blue circles of skin around their eyes. The females and the young birds ([[:wikt:chick|chick]]s) have an overall brown appearance. Their feathers also have white and black strips on certain parts. The females have a white [[throat]].<ref name=whozoo>{{cite web|title=Himalayan Monal|url=http://whozoo.org/Intro2003/AprilStJ/AS_himalayanMonalfinal.html|work=WhoZoo|accessdate=15 June 2013}}</ref>

The male chicks look like the females chicks until a little after a year when they begin to become more colorful. Before then you could tell the young male and females apart because of their larger size and black feathers, instead of white feathers, on the throat.<ref name=whozoo />

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Himalayan Monal Osaka.jpg|Female (head)
File:Lophophorus impejanus Zoo DU 1.jpg|Male (head)
Lophophorus impejanus MHNT.ZOO.2010.11.10.1.jpg |Museum specimen
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Other websites==
{{commons category|Lophophorus impejanus}}
{{wikispecies|Lophophorus impejanus}}
* [http://www.arkive.org/himalayan-monal/lophophorus-impejanus/ ARKive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205060458/http://www.arkive.org/himalayan-monal/lophophorus-impejanus/ |date=2019-02-05 }}
* [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lophophorus_impejanus.html Animal Diversity Web]
* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=243&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105014048/http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=243&m=0 |date=2009-01-05 }}
* [http://www.catalogueoflife.org/col/details/species/id/11909976 Catalogue of Life] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012002656/http://www.catalogueoflife.org/col/details/species/id/11909976 |date=2015-10-12 }}
* [http://www.unep-wcmc-apps.org/isdb/CITES/Taxonomy/tax-species-result.cfm?Genus=Lophophorus&Species=impejanus&source=animals&displaylanguage=fra&tabname=legal CITES]{{Dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [http://www.gbwf.org/pheasants/monal.html Galliforms and Pheasants] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112033104/http://www.gbwf.org/pheasants/monal.html |date=2007-01-12 }}
* [https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=176067 ITIS]
* [http://tolweb.org/Lophophorus+impejanus Tree of Life - Lophophorus]
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?lin=s&p=has_linkout&id=9040 National Center for Biotechnology Information]
* [http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/141316 UICN]{{Dead link|date=September 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

[[Category:Birds of Asia]]
[[Category:Birds of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Galliformes]]
[[Category:Birds of Kashmir]]
[[Category:National symbols of Kashmiristan]]
[[Category:National symbols of Nepal]]
[[Category:Provincial symbols of Uttaranchal Praant (India)]]