RTICLE 14 AND THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

ARTICLE 14 AND THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

A canopy of trees spread out deep into this tropical ever green forest, situated hundreds of kilometres from one of ancient Indian River systems.   The Syzygium (Jambul) and Mahogany with an occasional Banyan tree dominated the area,    amidst thick flora. This was once a complete ecosystem, with a large variety of wild animals and bird life.
This was the kingdom of the animals and birds, the four legged and the winged variety and had been so, for well over millions of years. The last few centuries saw humans make inroads and, over time, dominate the once lush thick forest. The animals were the ones who kept withdrawing.  

Nature has a way to get back at those who exploit and dominate.  It had to happen. One day. Deep inside this forest.

Circa 2025. It was just like another twilight. The Sun had disappeared, lost among the thick foliage. But light, in brilliant hues, seeped through. The kingdom was soon to become alive. 
Beside a rivulet, a favorite watering hole for the animals, was a clearing.  Big and abundant enough for the herbivorous to grace. The atmosphere was unusually electric that late evening. It was as if all the chirping, howling, the roars, all echoed a sense of anticipation. Of expectation. 
The first to arrive at the edge of the clearing was an exhausted but well-bred Cow along with the Quail. Both had travelled a very long distance, over three days, from the farm which belonged to a human. It was difficult to get away, but both were determined, for their own reasons. After a few mouthful of green flora and a decent quenching of the thirst, the Cow settled down and waited.  The bovine and her flock spent life as livestock and dairy provider and draft animal for humans. They were also worshipped and considered as a sign of wealth. Sometimes the humans sacrificed them to please their gods. Over time the Cow became convinced of her proximity to human gods and thus, the animal kingdom regarded them as communicators with gods. This way humans kept them happy while making use of them.  The one who represented them, that day, held extreme views in the matter? No way will it allow alternative opinions to flourish!  Hence the Cow ensured its presence. The Quail too had its fill and perched near the Cow. A very secretive bird, migratory but the male uses a nice repetitive singing tone. Its suspicious responses to humans motivated it to come here today.

A small group of spotted dear, chetal, came next and impatiently paced the ground.  They were the ones who provided entertainment to the animal kingdom with their agility and antics. The females paired with many and performed the rain dance. Additionally, they formed the source of food for the kingdom. Their presence here was dictated by a lack of choice. And a guarantee that they will not be consumed for the time being. 

The burly Buffalo, who also claimed divine powers and was considered as a vehicle for a human god , casually strode into another part of the clearing and used the time to enjoy a decent scratch of its sides, with the help of one of the trees. Determined that it will not tolerate any violation of traditional values, the buffalo had no hesitation in coming.

Seeing the bovine presence, the Wild Boar hesitated. He had just polished off one of them few hours back. Generally aggressive and often hunted, it lives in isolation. In the kingdom, the rhino, hyenas , the Snake and such animals were following different gods and often did not see eye to eye . The Boar was here as representative of the group as they did not want to be left out.
The Sun had set by now. The constellation of Orion was visible in the eastern sky. The warrior and its sword, a perfect setting for what was to follow. The Moon looked beautiful.
The mighty tusker meandered into the clearing, yawning. Proud and majestic not the least because he represented a mirror image of a god the humans held dear. Notwithstanding that similarity, it silently revolted against the tyranny that is cast upon their species by humans when they are paraded in places of worship, made to pull logs and even their tusks hacked off. A chance to correct that maybe, he assumed, and ensured his presence here today.

The Langur appeared on the mahogany tree, located a broken branch and sat erect on it. An all white fur body with black face and ears, he was the grand old member of the kingdom. He was the one who offered words of wisdom. He too had lineage with a popular god. However, of late the current generation of animals seldom respected him. He felt that he has a duty to keep the kingdom on the right path and so hopped from tree to tree across the forest to be present here. 

 Slowly they all trooped in, one by one, covering most of the animal and bird kingdom. Sounds of animated discussions rendered the occasion more intriguing. 

The Giraffe's leg was visible soon, his face was not. As yet.  That did not prevent the females from giggling and the oohs and aahs that filled the air. Age had caught up with him but the aura and the special voice remained. He had entertained the animal kingdom for ages. Partnered many females in several rain dances. He continued to entertain and also assist those who offered food, livestock etc. by using his presence and his voice. 

The roar was rather tame and served to remind all present there that the ex-head of the kingdom no longer was relevant. The Lion was well past his age and added to that, the troubles of the kingdom had taken its toll on his health. Nevertheless, many regarded him to have ushered in many favorable conditions for animals.
Soon entered the Tigress and her cub, walking briskly. The Tigress actually belonged to a faraway forest but having mated with a tiger from nearby this region, became an inhabitant of the place. An accident of fate made the Tigress take charge of the rulers of the kingdom. The Lion too often listened to her. Many felt that her cub will be the king of the forest after the Lion moves away. But the cub mixed work with pleasure and found leadership of this varied forest not to his liking. He still came over. The Tigress and the cub seemed to belong to another generation but still had followers.

Finally, trouped in the Grey Wolf. The current lord of the jungle! He had dislodged the aging Lion and the Tigress. The cub was no match to his wiles.  Demonstrated by its adaptations to hunting large prey, its more gregarious nature, and its highly advanced expressive behavior. The humans kept a safe distance too.  He came in his special attire, sheep's skin, which was his unique style. He looked up at the moon and saw his silhouette and smiled with satisfaction. His followers will now be convinced he is a divine gift.
The cow moved over quickly next to the Wolf who nodded in acknowledgement. 

 Every pair of eyes was now on the Wolf. Some looked at his advisers, the jackal, Hyena, a Rabbit. Their face betrayed the fact that they  had no clue of what will follow. Next moved in the Jackal Sr. He belonged to the group which supplied food, collected leftovers of kills and other animal materials which was then given to other animals for a favor. This class was crafty. He had to stand close to the Wolf.  Opportunities may come anytime.

The Wolf spoke. A dragging tone. Limbs often spread wide. He was a master when it came to communicating with the animals. Today he was to reveal a plan that would seem to change life, all living life, forever. A plan, he knew at heart, which would create impact, make him famous much more than its feasibility. He had sounded out his emissaries and wanted them to present the idea. If it receives applause he will take over. That was the plan.
He started by enlisting all the hardships the animal kingdom has been undergoing. How their land is being taken away. How humans slaughter them , hunt them, encroach on the forest. He droned on saying that he wanted to change all that, go back to the days when humans were only tenants living in the jungle. He wanted the glorious days back. 
The Lion yawned. The Tigress stared ahead while her cub looked confused. 
The Peacock, with her feather spread, coyly walked up to the Giraffe and stood next to it.  
The Cow interviewed and said that she can no longer withstand the tyranny of the humans. For hundreds of years she has been denied entry into the places where gods are worshipped. She has to be satisfied watching from outside. The Elephant nodded and said he has been taken around temples but never allowed inside.  This, he said, is against all animals and living things.   The king Cobra whirled down from a branch and hung next to the Tigress. He hissed and indicated that if at all he had got a chance to go inside other gods  place of worship , it was when he stealthily went in. He wanted protection from the gods of the Cows also he indicated.

The Cow , sensing that she has the initiative, decided to take up another issue. She said she was ashamed of attending to natures call out in the open, right in front of everyone. Many birds chirped in agreement. The Buffalo vigorously signaled his agreement by moving his horns.  
The Jackal grabbed the chance. He thundered that the humans must build places they call Toilets for animals to use. Everyone applauded. 

The wolf listened to all these. He knew he had made the move and set the tone. Now everyone will come up with their suggestion. Some asked for animals to start wearing cloths. It was shot down by the Cub. The fox wanted to build weapons with witch animals can defend against human attack. 
The Wolf indicated he and the fox plans to travel across all the water kingdoms and arrange for the amphibious beings to partner with the animal in their fight with humans.

The Langur felt this is the right time for final trump card. Then soon jumped on the top of the Elephant and asked for silence. Everyone stopped whatever they were saying.
He cautioned about this tendency of wanting to fight humans. He said it was unlikely to result in victory. Instead, he suggested, we must negotiate, agitate if needed, and refuse to eat food given by them. We must demand equality. No discrimination between humans and animals. We must demand that Article 14 of their law must be made applicable to all living beings. This law is called by the humans as The Constitution, the wise and learned Langur informed.  The Tigress , the Lion , the Snake and a few others  did not like the idea but before they could say anything a loud thunderous applause rose in the air, the jungle shook as most of the animals and birds activated their vocal cords in agreement. The Animals of the world unite! 
The cub wanted to speak but did not know what. Finally he managed to find a cause. He announced that the Wolf must ensure that all animals must get food. Only then we can fight or agitate against humans. The wolf was worried about the Cub , inwardly , but managed to show that he will ignore the cub. The others took the cue.
The peacock opined that we must demand for access to toilets built by humans. The long tailed Monkey, mischievous as ever, demanded that humans stop the conversion of humans into behaving like animals. The wolf added that each must behave as per his ilk. Animals should not be demeaned he announced. Sensing the mood and the chance to create history he tactfully managed to indicate that all this was his idea. After he felt sure everyone or a majority will back him.. 
So started the first revolution of the Jungle. The declaration of the right to equality among all living beings. The Jungle tea party. The mutiny of 2025.

Soon the approach was adopted. Various actions were planned and everyone chipped in. 

A little away from this clearing and on the other side of the watering hole, was a large banyan tree. It looked thousands of years old. Below it sat a human, scantly attired and eyes closed. He has been seen under the tree for ages. The animals and birds found him of no threat and generally ignored him. Today too they were aware of his presence but they had no idea that he was watching them, understanding them, closely. At first he was alarmed at the developments. Soon it turned into amusement and he relaxed. Years of penance has taught him to respect nature's ways. 
He reflected that history repeats itself, yes, but never imagined it will extend to the animal kingdom! The Gods must be Crazy.