Rajaram (Kingfisher) 2010-2016
The inevitable has happened, the unprecedented has ended. It was building up for a little over the last 2 years. Rajaram, a.k.a Kingfisher’s body was found in Mukki zone on October 28th morning.
Rajaram, not sleeping but territory marking
Apparently, there were injury signs on his neck and shoulders. So it is concluded that it was a territorial fight. Well, there couldn’t have been anything else in this case. The area where his body was found is right in the heart of the tourism zone, which is monitored well by the forest guards and the tourists too. So, no untoward incident or accident could have happened here.
Since almost 30 months Mukki zone was prowled by 4 big male Tigers. Umarpani male, Bheema, Link 7 (Chotta Munna) and Rajaram aka Kingfisher. There were territorial tussles, devilish roaring, blood drops, naked claws, wounds and some scared to death tourists.
Rajaram and Umarpani male in a territorial fight. Photo by Naren Malik
It was expected in 2014 itself that a fatal fight is round the corner. But all the male Tigers despite the differences had begun to give space to each other. Their intensity and frequency of fights had reduced over the last one year. Many thought that these males had accepted each other. But how wrong was everyone in defining the behavior of these Tigers.
A very handsome male Tiger in his peak, Rajaram was 6 years old. He belonged to the Neela Nallah litter.
Sighting Rajaram during a Safari in Kanha
I can never forget the morning of December 13th 2015. We had just about crossed Andh Kuan, when we see this male Tiger walking briskly towards us. We started to retreat. His walk had a purpose. Naren said this is Rajaram. I threw away (within the vehicle of course) all the winter layers, and was on the starting blocks like Usain Bolt. He walked behind us for over 2kms and gave me plenty of opportunities to shoot him.
This particular sighting was possible due to my dear Naren Malik, and Preetam the forest guide. A brilliant team effort which saw us cross the line, and gave me immense pleasure.
Rajaram a family member to many
The sad part was that the news of his death was broken to me by Naren Malik, who sounded shattered on phone. He was inconsolable. For Naren, this is just not a loss of a Tiger. It is the loss of a family member. People like Naren are bonded with their Tigers, as they track and see them often, and for years. Day in, and day out, weeks, months, and seasons go by, seeing, appreciating, and photographing these Tigers. It is a personal loss for Naren and other naturalists who love Kanha and it’s Tigers like family. And also for all those whom he showed Rajaram, me included.
I feel your pain Naren because of this loss. But my friend, it is actually a gain. Tigers like Kingfisher have left such an indelible mark on people’s mind that those people are today Kanha lovers.
Rajaram aka Kingfisher in Kanha
Please don’t be distraught, the journey is far from over. Banat Banat Banjaye (keep on keeping on).
Who fought and overpowered Rajaram?
I am writing this when there is incomplete information on, with whom was the fight? Which Tiger? Hopefully, in the next few days, the Tiger who killed Rajaram will show up with some injuries. For sure he would have gone down fighting till his last breath. Hence he would have wreaked some serious damage to his opponent. Is that opponent Chotta Munna (Link 7), unlikely, as he was sighted just today morning, absolutely fit. Was it Bheema? Maybe, but again unlikely as he was a bit frail over last 10-15 days, and also injured. Though Bheema had the power going for him, but in the current situation, it seems tough.
So was it Umarpani in that case? Most likely, as in the past, they have both fought, and mostly Umarpani male has come out triumphant in all past fights. Besides, Umarpani male out-matches him in size, strength, and stealth.
Hulk of a Tiger
While writing this piece I can see Rajaram’s eyes looking at me. Rajaram was one Tiger who looked you in the eye peacefully, plainly and assuredly. There were moments during my last sighting that we (me and him) were on same eye level, and not once I felt threatened.
Kingfisher, you will remain in my heart till it beats. You were not beaten by my friend, you are liberated.
Have a peaceful onward journey.
– Sharad Vats
(P.S. He was aka Kingfisher for the sign of a flying Kingfisher just above his right eye.)
