Thursday, December 22, 2011

Khairi

Khairi was a angry, confused and petrified cub when she was handed over to the forest conservator of Similipal Late Dr Saroj Raj Choudhury on October 5, 1974 at Jashipur. She was aggressive and was gnawing her claws at everything. But Dr Choudhry knew exactly what to do. He imitated the sound of a mother tigress and within no time the little cub was feeling at home. Thus startred the legend which were to be told and retold in every household in Odisha. It was a legend about forest conservator who dared to risk his life and went beyond the call of duty for a tigress he considered his very own.

Dr Choudhry would record each and every move made by Khari and all the knowledge that he gathered is used today for the conservation of the king of the jungle. And the pug mark based method he invented is used today for tiger census.

Khairi passed away prematurely at the age of six and half years and Dr Choudhry passed away soon after that in grief. But even today one can hear Khari roar in the forests of Similipal for a legend never dies.

This painting is dedicated to Khari, the princess of Similipal.

p.s. You can watch some rare footage of Khairi with Dr Choudhry and Nihar Nalini Devi (foster mother of Khairi) here.

Title - Khairi - Princess of Similipal
Size - 22 x15 inch
Medium - Watercolor on paper
Photo courtesy - Satyesh Naik

13 comments:

Pat said...

What a legend - and what a fitting painting too. Great work! xx

Vinayak Deshmukh said...

Great painting man! And what a story.
Best wishes,

Crystal Cook said...

It is official. This is my favorite painting and post ever. What a beautiful story! I'd never heard it before. It makes me feel hope. :)) The painting is gorgeous, the pattern of shadows on the ground and the light through the trees is stunning. Truly this is masterly work. :))))) I love it. Well done my friend!

AK said...

Amazing work and an equally amazing story. Fabulous work Prabal.

Art with Liz said...

Oh Prabal, what a wonderful story. And an incredible painting. Man is so cruel to our fellow creatures - here is hope for the magnificent tiger. We are currently having major problems with poachers and our rhinos being killed for their horns. So sad.

Prabal said...

Pat,

Thank you. Hope you are having a great Christmas..

Vinayak, AK sir,
Thank you for your appreciation.

Prabal said...

Crystal,
Thank you so so much.. That comment was a Christmas gift for me. Merry Christmas to you.

Liz,
I guess it is the same story everywhere. Greed will destroy it all. Anyway thank you for liking the painting. And a very happy Christmas to you.

hmuxo said...

Wow!! Beautiful story, Prabal! And I love this painting! I love the light hitting the path...perfect!! Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your family!!

suzannepaints said...

Beautiful, moving watercolors! You have a lovely blog. This tiger story is wonderful. We have a famous tiger in Louisiana, beloved Mike the Tiger. He lives in a magnificent enclosure, not at all the same conditions you describe, but he has many tiger-comforts and is beloved by multitudes.

Prabal said...

Hilda,
A very happy new year to you too. I hope you keep creating more of your masterpieces throughout the year. And thank you for liking this.

Suzanne,
Welcome to my blog. Thakn you for leaving a wonderful comment for me. You are so lucky to have Mike in your place. Its al about love. By the way you are a wonderful artist.

Serena Lewis said...

What a beautiful story and painting! Your artwork is amazing!

Deepa Gopal said...

Fabulous painting with a fabulous legend...Incrediblw work Prabhal:)
It's always fascinating to see a painting with a tale.
Happy 2012!

Sandra Busby said...

This is beautiful... It really draws me in to the scene and the light is stunning :0)