The peregrine falcon is a powerful bird of prey that is found across the world. In Bengal, it goes by the name ‘bāz’ (বাজ). The Bengali name highlights the falcon’s swift diving speed and regal bearing as it hunts. Understanding the meaning behind the Bengali name offers insight into how the peregrine falcon is perceived in Bengal.
Etymology of ‘Bāz’
The word ‘bāz’ has Persian origins and is used to refer to hawks or falcons in Bengali. It is derived from the Persian word ‘bāz’ (باز) which means falcon. The Persian term, in turn, is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *bheid- meaning ‘to fly’.
So the Bengali name ‘bāz’ succinctly captures the falcon’s most defining feature – its powerful flight. Unlike many other birds, the peregrine falcon relies on speed and aerial agility to hunt rather than its talons or beak. Swooping from great heights, it can reach speeds over 200 mph as it dives down on prey. This swift, diving flight inspired the name ‘bāz’.
Cultural Significance of Peregrine Falcons in Bengal
Peregrine falcons have had a special place in Bengal’s culture for centuries. Their speed, power and hunting prowess have made them prized by royalty.
Falconry
Falconry, the sport of hunting with trained birds of prey, has historically been popular with Bengal’s aristocracy. Starting in the medieval period, many Bengali kings and nawabs were enthusiastic falconers. They prized peregrine falcons above all for their swiftness and daring when diving at fast-flying bird prey.
Using the traditional rules of falconry, Bengal’s elite trained their peregrine falcons to hunt wild quarry like ducks and pigeons. Seeing a well-trained peregrine falcon stoop from the sky was considered excellent entertainment. The sport continues today, though on a smaller scale, with wealthy Bengalis training the falcons using traditional techniques.
Status Symbol
Owning a peregrine falcon was a status symbol among medieval Bengali royalty and aristocracy. The difficulty of trapping and training these powerful birds meant that only the wealthiest could afford them. Peregrine falcons were also given as royal gifts, being transported hundreds of miles by falconers.
Bengal’s rulers would often bring their prized peregrine falcons on hunting trips and military campaigns to demonstrate their wealth and train the birds in the field. The presence of peregrine falcons in a medieval Bengali court was a sign of prestige and nobility.
Art and Literature
The cultural cachet of the peregrine falcon in medieval Bengal meant it frequently appeared in works of art and literature. Bengali miniatures from the 16th and 17th centuries often depict noble men hunting with peregrine falcons. The birds are illustrated in vivid detail to highlight their swiftness and ferocity.
In Bengali poetry, the graceful, diving flight of the peregrine falcon was used as a metaphor for a lover returning to their beloved. By comparing the falcon’s headfirst stoop to the ground to the headlong rush of love, poets emphasized the all-consuming power of romantic feelings.
Description of the Peregrine Falcon
Now that we have covered the meaning and cultural context behind the Bengali name ‘bāz’, let us look at what the peregrine falcon is like.
Appearance
The peregrine falcon has a distinctive appearance:
– Size – About 15 inches long with a wingspan around 3 feet
– Coloring – Blue-grey back, barred white underside, dark helmet-like head markings
– Yellow beak with a dark tip and yellow legs/feet with black talons
– Swift, pointed wings designed for speed
The peregrine falcon exhibits sexual dimorphism. The female peregrine is noticeably larger than the male.
Behavior
– Diet – Almost exclusively other birds including pigeons, songbirds, waterfowl. Also bats and rodents.
– Hunting – Pursues prey in swift mid-air dives called stoops. Can reach over 200 mph.
– Habitat – Cliffs, cities, open country. Nest on tall structures.
– Migration – Northerly populations migrate huge distances of thousands of miles.
– Lifespan – Up to 15 years in the wild.
Subspecies
There are several subspecies of the peregrine falcon found across different regions of the world. In Bengal, the most common subspecies is Falco peregrinus peregrinator also known as the Indian peregrine falcon. It is a medium-sized subspecies with males weighing 500-700g and females 800-1200g.
Current Status of Peregrine Falcons in Bengal
Peregrine falcon populations declined severely in Bengal and across India in the mid 20th century. The widespread use of pesticides like DDT during that period contaminated the falcons’ food supply, making their eggshells thinner and lowering breeding success. This caused a crash in peregrine numbers.
Fortunately, a ban on DDT and dedicated conservation efforts have enabled Bengal’s peregrine falcons to bounce back. Their populations in urban areas like Kolkata have recovered to healthy levels. However, habitat loss remains a concern in rural areas.
Overall, the falcon’s remarkable resilience is reflected in the stability of its ancient Bengali name – bāz. While still valued today more for its ecological role than its royal status, the peregrine remains a proud and free icon of Bengal’s skies.
Conclusion
The Bengali name for the peregrine falcon – bāz – has linguistic roots linking it to flight and speed. Culturally, the peregrine falcon has been prized for centuries in Bengal for falconry and as a status symbol, inspiring art and literature. Though its population declined mid-century, conservation efforts have stabilized numbers and the peregrine remains an enduring part of Bengal’s natural heritage. Looking at its Bengali name offers insight into the historical significance of this magnificent bird within the region.
