Forest's Friend Gungun

By Ravi Jadhav

Forests Friend Gungun is book that received through deep meditation. The main object of this book is to finish the cruelty in the minds of the children and youth so that not only their life become peaceful but also they can better work for their parents, family, and for all human beings. Colligating the pity and friendships in the hearts of people so that human being cruelty can be stopped against him. This story is a story of a child whose father died for protection of jungle so the mother of this child hardly hates with jungle. Mom dreams that his son Gungun studies and joins government service. But Gungun, like his father, is also deeply in love with the jungle and his animals and the nature. So Gungun also wanted to protect the jungle and animals from human cruelty. Gungun is very weak in stature, and he is not powerful because of health. But he is very aggressive to fulfill his mothers dream and to protect jungle and animals from human cruelty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: Feb 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781482844702

Ravi Jadhav

He is working in government services as an enforcement officer in Food and Civil Supply Department in Rajasthan (India). This book is already published in Hindi language and awarded by Environment and Forest Ministry New Delhi, India. As an artist, author of this book take participation in many painting exhibition like Jawar Kala Kandra Jaipur, Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akadmi, Artifill Art Gallery Bhilwara, etc. Author does deep meditation from last fourteen years. Actually author did not write casually this book rather this book was received by author during deep meditation.

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Copyright © 2015 by Ravi Jadhav.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-4828-4471-9

                eBook          978-1-4828-4470-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Partridge India

000 800 10062 62

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Gungun’s Animal Behaviour

Chapter 2 Jungle Baba

Chapter 3 Baba’s Jungle

Chapter 4 Admission to School

Chapter 5 First Year in First Class: Gungun Failed

Chapter 6 Gungun’s First Visit to The Forest

Chapter 7 Parrot Panther

Chapter 8 Mother’s Permission

Chapter 9 Meeting with Jungle Baba

Chapter 10 Second Year in First Class: Gungun Failed

Chapter 11 Rule of the School

Chapter 12 Panther in School

Chapter 13 Tikku Parrot’s Feat

Chapter 14 Third Year in First Class: Gungun’s Feat

Chapter 15 First Year in Second Class: Gungun Failed but Stayed Jolly

Chapter 16 Second Year in Second Class: Gungun Again Failed

Chapter 17 School got Saddened

Chapter 18 Jungle Baba’s Feat

Chapter 19 Gungun got Injured

Chapter 20 Misery of Jungle Baba

Chapter 21 Ways to make Body Strong & Healthy

Chapter 22 Daily Routine Remained Irregular

Chapter 23 Way to Self-Development

Chapter 24 Gungu got Strong

Chapter 25 Gugun got Beaten-up

Chapter 26 Mother’s Agony

Chapter 27 The Forest got Saddened

Chapter 28 The Divine Expedition by Vanraj

Chapter 29 Secret of Serpents Hill

Chapter 30 Tearful Neem Tree

Chapter 31 Transformation of vision

Chapter 32 Cannibal Tiger

Chapter 33 Gungun got saddened

Chapter 34 Steps towards the forest

Chapter 35 Gungun Consecrated to the Forest

Chapter 36 Storm of Mothering

Chapter 37 Muni Maharaj

Chapter 38 Phases of Meditation

Chapter 39 First Phase: Educational Phase

Chapter 40 Second Phase: Forest Tour

Chapter 41 Third Phase: Meditation Phase

Chapter 42 Fourth Phase : Asceticism

Chapter 43 Jungle Baba got desponded

Chapter 44 Awaiting Mother

Chapter 45 Fledgling

Chapter 46 Relics of the forest

Chapter 47 Three Divine Powers

Chapter 48 Happy News

Chapter 49 Test of Power

Chapter 1

Gungun’s Animal Behaviour

G ungun was going back to his home making sounds of different kind of animals and birds like CheenCheen…………. TenTenTen…………… KooKooKoo……. PikPik…. GutarGutar……………………………… HooHoo…. TeeTee……………….. Myanoon…… BhaunBhaun….. HinHinHin… Hin………. HooHoo….. MainTarr…………………………. BhaiBhaiBhai……. CeeCee…. GarrGarr.

He was not only making sounds of different animals and birds through his mouth but he was also imitating actions of that animal or bird. Meaning, he was moving his limbs same as that animal or bird does. This was Gungun’s animal behaviour. Gungun was master in this animal behaviour.

He had connatural skill of imitating voices of animals and birds. It was his inborn ability. Gungun had this speciality that if he heard voice of any animal or bird once, then he used to remember it and Gungun used to start making those sounds.

Even Gungun didn’t know when he learnt this skill in his childhood. As Gungun started to speak he kept listening sounds and voices of different animals and birds, so he learned these sounds by himself. Whenever Gungun used to be very happy his animal behaviour would be at its best and he used to get completely involved in his animal behaviour. Today also, Gungun was very happy. Today he was so happy that he would not had been anytime previously in seven years of his life. And therefore his animal behaviour was at its peak.

Today while returning back to his home he was walking as if he was unaware of his surroundings. Sometimes he was jumping like a monkey and making sound of HooHooHoo…, and sometimes he was walking weaving his both hands in air and making sound of TenTenTen… like a parrot, and sometimes he was walking like a dog keeping his hands on the ground and making sound of BhaunBhaunBhaunBhaun.. like a dog, and sometimes he became like a frog and started walking tittup and making sound of TarrTarrTarr…. Sometimes he was roaring like a Lion showing his teeth, while sometimes he was walking wiggling like a bear and he was also crawling like a snake on the ground and whiffing keeping his tongue out of his mouth.

While he was returning to his home, people could not stop laughing seeing his behaviour. The whole village used to enjoy watching his animal behaviour and they looked at Gungun with eyes full of love, but Gungun was not bothered about anybody.

Gungun could not only make sound of animals and birds but he also had one another skill, about which only he knew. That skill was this that - Gungun used to understand voices of all the animals and birds and he could even talk with them in his silent language, meaning that he could talk to animals and birds in mental language.

Gungun could not only talk with animals-birds but also with trees, hills, rivers, clouds etc., in his that mental language. How did Gungun acquire this skill? May be because animal-birds, hills, rivers, trees, clouds or to say the whole nature had its special blessings with Gungun.

Today Gungun was at peak of his animal behaviour; his today’s happiness was somewhat oddish. What was the reason that Gungun was so happy today? In his view today Gungun had been able to do a big deed. He was unable to pass continuously for last two years in first standard, but this time that is in third year he had been able to get passed.

Gungun had one shortcoming that he could not remember anything told by humans, therefore he could not get passed continuously for last two years and this time aswell all Gungun’s mother and others believed that Gungun will not be able to pass this time aswell. But it didn’t happen this time, this time Gungun had been able to get passed unexpectedly.

Only Gungun knew how he managed to get passed. Whatever, he was so happy on getting passed as if he had become an emperor. Today Gungun was in a hurry to reach home as he wanted to share this news with his mother as soon as possible.

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Chapter 2

Jungle Baba

G ungun’s home was outwards to the main colony of the village. His home was like a cottage, wherein there were three rooms. There was one earthen podgy outside the rooms which was usually kept neat & clean by plastering it with clay and dung by Gungun’s mother.

Name of Gungun’s village was ‘Jungle Gaon’, as there was border of a splendid and wonderful forest about five-seven kilometers away from his village.

People called that forest with the name Baba Ka Jungle, because people believed that there lived a Saint or Baba in that forest who protects people of the village from wild animals and lead the way for anybody lost in the forest.

This was true with that forest, till today no one from the village had been harmed by the wild animals and nobody ever lost in the forest. Even domestic animals like Cows, Buffalos, Goats and Sheep used to graze nearby the forest fearlessly; they were never killed by any wild animal. If by mistake any domestic animal entered into the forest, it returned harmlessly.

Nobody from the village had seen Jungle Baba face to face, but they claimed that their forefathers had seen directly Jungle Baba. They say a folktale related to this as told by their forefathers.

Once about two hundred and fifty years ago, a deadly had drought occurred. That drought affected many villages nearby, which also included Gungun’s village. People’s farms had dried out, it was difficult even to get water to drink, people used to bring drinkable water from faraway places.

Many people even left the village. Mountains were getting devoid of trees. The river of the village had wilted. It had become difficult for people even to arrange food for one time in the day. The situation was so serious that people were dying due to lack of food. Diseases were spreading. Some people were thriving even by eating leaves and stems of thorny trees. Many animals had died because of hunger and thirst.

During those days a saint named Maitraiya came to Jungle Gaon village with his disciples and he camped under a tree. How and who could tell the saint that this village could not welcome him properly, as this is against tradition of this village.

All the people of the village assembled together to take care of the saint and his disciples with full dedication and faith. People themselves didn’t have food but they didn’t let the saint and his disciples feel scarcity of anything.

This routine continued for many days. At last one day the saint collect the people of the village and told them- I am very glad with your service, you took care of us very well even in such a disastrous situation. I was looking for such a place where people with intent of service lived; I wanted to meditate at that place. From today onwards I will go into the forest nearby this village and meditate there. Soon it will rain in your village and the effect of drought will end forever. After this the disciples of the saint left the village and the saint went into the forest nearby the village.

It is said that the saint started meditating rigorously by the side of the river Vanmahi in the forest and it started to rain only after a few months. When people went to the saint in the forest, there they saw that the saint was deep into mediation.

Gradually whole body of the saint got covered up with creepers, trees grew around him and that saint vanished into those trees. The trees over mountains regained their greenery and new trees started growing. And as the time passed, the entire area once again turned into backwoods.

People had started to call the place where the saint had meditated as ‘Mitra Van Basti’ and the river near which he had meditated with the name ‘Mitra Vahini’ river. Because of ascendency of saint’s meditation no animal of the forest preyed upon the villagers.

Some people of the village say that sometimes the saint has been seen in the form of trees. The people of the village had started to call him Jungle Baba. In this way, many stories of the miracles of Jungle Baba were popular in the nearby villages.

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Chapter 3

Baba’s Jungle

B aba’s Jungle was compassed with high mountain ranges which were known with the name of ‘Hathi’ mountain range. The only easy way to this forest was about a two-hundred meter long valley in the ‘Hathi’ mountain range located on the southern side about five-seven kilometers from Jungle Gaon. This valley was called as Baba’s Gate, The southern valley, Entrance to the forest, Friendly Valley etc.

The other passage to the Baba Ka Jungle was northern valley which was located on northern side in Hathi mountain range, this passage was very arduous.

There was a huge Peepal tree at a distance of about three kilometers on the way from Friendly Valley to the village, people considered this as the border line between Jungle Gaon and Baba’ Jungle. After this Peepal dense trees started to appear, therefore normally very few people used to go beyond that Peepal tree. The villagers called it as ‘Dev Peepal’ as they used to worship it on special festivals. There was a platform around that tree.

Baba’ Jungle and Jungle Gaon were part of Junglepur province of Junglegarh estate. There was no big city in Junglepgarh estate but there five big provinces in this estate whose names were Pahadpur, Badalpur, Nadipur, Vrikshpur, Junglepur.

There was Shahargarh estate in the north, Shikargarh estate in the west and Jalgarh estate in the south of Ganglegarh estate. Shahargarh was a modern estate.

Baba’s Jungle was a huge and wonderful forest. Its hugeness can be estimated from the fact that it covered an area of about ninety thousand square kilometers. And it was wonderful in the sense that this kite shaped forest included regions which were desert, semi-dry, hilly, terrain and plateau.

Eight hundred to one thousand meter high medial ‘Dev’ mountain range going from middle of southern-west to middle of northern-east divides Baba’s Jungle into almost two parts.

There was western Dev mountain range to the west of medial Dev mountain range. It was a dividing line between desert and sem-dry region of Baba’ Jungle. There was southern Dev mountain range in the south of medial Dev mountain range. It was a dividing line between the hilly and terrain region of Baba’s Jungle.

The horizontal-oblique, small-small ranges of Dev Mountain and stream of various rivers in the middle of the forest divide this forest into different parts. Colonies of diverse wild creatures had been developed in these regions divided in various parts

The western part of Baba’s Jungle was known as desert region. This was on the west to the western Dev mountain range. The western boundary of the desert region was determined by trifling sub-ranges of Hathi hills.

There was Godavan colony to the west of this desert region. Godavan (Hukna, Sohan sparrow) is a privacy liking, freely roaming and a shy bird. About a meter height, one black comb over the head, outer colour-brown buff, further black braces enhanced its beauty.

This bird was omnivorous. It lived by eating Vermins, Grasshopper, Rats, Lizard, Scorpion, Snake and Kerri, Berry and Seeds of wild trees. The king of this birds colony was a Godavan named Goda.

There were colonies of black deer and desert cats on the west of the Godavan colony. Whose kings were respectively ‘Krishnesh Krishan Mrig’ and ‘Billesh Billa’.

During winters birds of Domosile Crane species with their king ‘Kurjesh’ from cold-snowy regions used to encamp on the desert lakes.

Not only Godavans, Black Deer and Desert Cats but also other animals-birds lived in these colonies of desert region. Such as Flying Snake, Hubra, Florican, Chameleon, Fox, Rabbit, Wolfs, Jackal etc.

There were moles of dry sand and everywhere there was dry sand only. Although in some regions hard rock had emerged in the form of plains and hills on the surface. At some places dismembered small stones of local rocks could be found.

In summers, sand storms tried to dry and further dry this region, and in winters the frost left nothing short in freezing out this region.

During rainy season, the Stream of Maruvahini River and some lakes of salty and freshwater water protected this region from getting devoid of water.

Even in this desert area of Baba’s Jungle the nature had fostered a wonderful night perch for its lovable fauna by spreading rarity of specific kind of flora. The flora found in this region was known as desert-flora.

In this flora Berri, Thor, Oak, Babul (Acacia), Thorny Babul bushes with fog, Khejadi, Ther, Kumquat, Aacia (Kikar), Kumat, Rohida, Jaal, Ker, Rambaas etc. were main trees and bushes. In this area the trees were less dense and the expansion of the forests was dissipated.

Among bushes and trees the small-large fields of different species of grasses Sewan, Ghaman, Murat, Lumpra, Seran, Burda, Kuri, Tantiya, Bui, Kala Dham, Kharad, Bhurat, Kuchar etc. were serving as grazing grounds for the animal creatures of this desert colony. The grasses found in this region were known as desert grasses. After desert region, the small ranges of western Dev Mountains created semi-dry region till medial Dev mountain range by restricting spread of the desert.

The semi-dry region was under the dominance of seven species. From west to east there were respectively Nilgai (Roj), Varah (Wild Pig), Stag, Hare, Buffalo and Monkey colony. These regions were predominated by Nilesh Nilgai, Shakuresh Varah, Baresh Stag, Kharhesh Hare, Vrishbhanandan Wild Buffalo, Kapishraj Baboon and Hanumeshraj Hanuman Monkey respectively.

In the colony of animal species the number of animals of related species was paramount. But other animals-birds could also be found as inhabitants in small-large groups. Such as, not only stag, deer, wild pig, Hare, Buffalo, Baboon, Hanuman Bandar, Baboon etc. non-hunting animals but also the hunting animals Lion, Tiger, Leopard etc. could be seen in small groups with Nilgais in Nilgai colony.

In this region there were small moles (sand cairn) of dry sand and dry sand at some places and there was lapideous surface at some places, and at some places the rocks were emerging on the surface. The scattered horizontal-oblique ranges of small Dev mountain hills divide his region into various parts. The snake hill of the monkey colony located on Dev mountain range in the far north was a mysterious hill.

This region was flourished with a rainy river named Lavanwanti running in the western direction shooting from the middle of medial Dev mountain range and its tributaries. If the river flow of Lavanwanti was salty for some distance, it was also sweet upto some distance. Some salty water lakes were also providing a new attraction to this region, which were known as ‘Lavani’ lakes. Vrishabhvahini was a river which emerged from Vrishbha region and flows into Vanar region.

Similar to the desert forests here there were species of trees and bushes, but here the density of trees was more than that of desert region. This flora was known with the name of semi-dry flora. Among this flora Jhar-beri, Fog, Sinia, Lana etc. together with Berry, Khejadi, Rohida, Jaal, Ker, Thorny Babul, Salar, Mango, Blackberry, Neem (Margosa), Hingora etc. were popular ones.

The grasses found in the semi-dry region were known with the name of semi-dry grasses. In this region the fields of Sevan, Dhaman, Mooratth, Anjan, Khas (Cuscus) etc. were scattered here and there.

The part between medial Dev mountain range to southern Dev mountain range was hilly region of Baba’s Jungle. The medial Dev mountain range and its mountains have not only checked spreading of northern-western desert and semi-dry terrain, but also these mountain ranges left nothing short by gifting its southern and eastern region with rain by stopping the monsoon wind by some extent.

Although the Dev mountain hills spread parallel to the medial Dev mountain range was lesser in height than the Hathi mountain hills and medial Dev mountain ranges, but the One thousand to Seventeen Hundred high mountain peaks raised in between at different places were not behind in providing them magnificence. The Tiger region of Tiger Hill was located in middle of this forest.

There was a colony of seven species of forest in mountain hill region. In this region from west to east there were colonies of Lion, Baghera (Black Tiger), Tiger, Hippopotamus, Rhinoceros, Elephant and Aquatic birds. This region was predominated by Singhesh Lion, Bagesh Baghere, Bagheraj-Bagherani Tiger-Tigress, Dariyal Hippopotamus, Gendilraj-Gendilrani Rhinoceros- female Rhinoceros, Gajaji-Gajmati Elephant- female Elephant, and Hansesh Swan (Greater Flemingo).

The Singhni hill the colony of Lion was a big hill, whose highest peak was known as ‘Van Shikhar’, which was the highest mountain peak of this forest. The most auspicious place of Baba’s forest the forest pilgrimage was located there; whose ‘Chandra Jheel’ was a very beautiful pleasance lake.

The flora and creatures of medial mountain region were contented by streaming region of Varnasha and Vanmahi rivers and its tributaries. Vanmahi River used flow from Jalpur province of Jalgarh estate and passed from Baba’s forest.

Varnasha River was an important river emerging from medial Dev mountain range, which used to merge into a vast river ‘Amrita river’ flowing in terrains. Not only this, this river and its branches were creating some fresh water lakes in this hilly region

In this region one branch of Vanamrita River used to constitute a vast lake in the bottom of Hathi mountain hill in the north-east direction, this lake was known as ‘Pankhi’ lake. This Pankhi Lake and the region around it was known as aquatic birds colony.

Aquatic birds colony was a habitation of various birds of different species like Grab, Cormorant, Indian Sage (Panawa, Pandubi), Darter or Snake Bird (Pan Kawwa), Pelican, Heron (Bagula), Egret, Bittern, Stork, Ibis, Spoonbill (Spoon), Flamingo (Raj Hans), Goose (Hans), Duck (Batakh), Crane (Saras), Rail, Crake, Water Hen, Watercock, Moorhen, Coot, Jacana, Oystercatcher, Stilt, Avocet, Plover, Curlew, Lapwing (Titahari), Pratincole, Courser, Whimbrel, Godwit, Snipe, Woodcock, Shank, Piper, Turnstone, Stint, Dunlin, Sanderling, Ruff, Gull, Tern etc.

The hilly region of Baba’s Jungle was the most dense flora region of this forest. In this region there were many parallel ranges of Dev mountain hills and high mountain peaks. There were many valleys in these mountain ranges to across.

The flora found in hilly region of this forest was known with the name of hilly flora. Among which trees of Acacia (Babul), Salar, Mango, Blackberry (Jamun), Banyan, Khair, Bamboo, Gular, Neem (Margosa), Sandal, Tendu, Baheda (Belleric Myrobalan), Harr (Terminalia Chebula), Ghaman, Khirani, Semal (Cotton tree, Silk), Timru, Oak, Karonda, Aanwala (Emblic Myrobalan), Tamarind, Peach, Sagaun (Tectona Grandis), Peepal, Teak, Dhak (Plas), Mahua, Ghatbor, Anrooj, Amalatas (Laburaury), Guava, Pomegranate, Anjeer (Fig), Rosewood, Mulberry, Custard Apple etc. are popular.

The grasses found in hilly region were known as hilly grasses, which included grasses like Anjan, Khawal, Chamber.

The region between southern Dev mountain range to plateau region was terrain region of Baba’s Jungle. The Mitra Vahini River and Van Amrita River and its tributaries and the southern Dev mountains spread in some parts divided this terrain region into many parts.

There was a colony of eleven species of the forest in the terrain region. In this terrain region from west to east there were colonies of Mitravan, Fish, Reptile, Porcupine, Bear, Worms-Moths, Crocodile, Hyena, Mongoose, Tomcat, Wolf, Jackal, Foxes respectively. These regions were predominated by Vanraj Lion and Vanrani Lioness, Meen Rohu Fish, Sarsar Python, Sahesh, Bhaleraj Bear, Bichchha Bichchhu, Machchha Magar, Lakdesh Hyena, Nevaliraj Mongoose, Bilawal Tomcat, Bhedesh Wolf, Siyaresh Jackal, Lomvanti Fox respectively.

On important region of Baba’s Jungle was its southern part, which was known by the name of Mitravan colony. The border of Mitravan colony extended from Mitra valley to Vanmahi River. The Vanmahi river entered into Baba’s Jungle through river valley in the Hathi mountain hill by flowing a distance of two kilometer from Mitra valley and flows out of Baba’s Jungle making a semi-circle till a distance of fifty kilometer.

In the bottom of Hathi mountain hill in Mitravan colony Vanmahi River forms a lake, which is known as ‘Mitra’ lake. One tributary of Varnasha River flowing from medial Dev mountain range meets up with Mahi River.

About six kilometres from Mitra valley towards the forest two huge Banyan tree stood facing each other at a distance of hundred metres. Inhabitants of forest called this place with the name ‘Bargad Dwar’. Habitants of forest considered this as border line of forest.

At about six kilometres distance from Bargad Dwar there was residence of king of Baba’s Jungle Vanraj Singh, which was called by inhabitants of Jungle village as ‘Raj Garden’. On the outskirts of Raj Garden there was small hill which looked like a palace, it was called as ‘Mahal’ hill. Vanraj’s cave was located in this hill.

The Mitravahini River flows in the east direction at about twelve kilometres away from the Bargad Dwar and Raj Garden. That place was called by all with the name of ‘Rani Udyan’ because this was not only a dear place to Vanrani Singhni but also it was nearby Mitravahini River.

Mitravan colony was a permanent habitation for creatures of various species of the forest. The permanent habitation of the king of whole Baba’ Jungle Vanraj Singh and Vanrani Singhni was also here. Mitravan colony spreads out in an area of about two hundred square kilometres was that part of Baba’s Jungle where none of the animals hunted anybody.

The one and only easy way going into the Baba’s Jungle was the southern valley in Hathi mountain range. Forth this southern valley the boundary of Jungle Gaon started.

Vanmahi river forms Mitra lake in the bottom of Hathi mountain range in west of Mitravan colony, where many aquatic birds used to encamp.

In some regions of Vanmahi River and Varnasha river flowing in Mitravan colony there was dominance of queen of fishes Meen. It was a big Rohu fish.

In this river different species of fishes like Cat, Singi, Katla, Lata, Bhetki, Ilish, Chital, Chandawa, Koi, Mrigal, Rohu, Magra Fish, Dolphin, Small Shark, Sword, Eel fish, Star Fish, Catfish, Lobster, Golden Fish, Mantra Fish, Jelly Fish, etc. with Water Tortoise, Lobster, Seahorses, Octopus, Crabs, Snail, Slug, Squad, Prawn, etc. aquatic creatures and aquatic birds inhabited.

The watery region of Varnasha River streaming from mountain region and vast Vanamrita River was predominated by Machchha crocodile. This watery region was also habitation for the king of aquatic tortoises ‘Kashyapraj’, Alligator’s king Ghadesh, Water Snakes’ king Sarpesh, Alligator’s king Aelesh and their associates.

In the reptiles region reptiles like Boa Constrictor, Python, Anaconda, Cobra, Rattle Snake, Coral Snake, Sicilian Snake, Dumai etc. and Pythons with different species of local tortoises, Iguana, Goira, Chameleon, Pangolin, Lizards etc. were present in abundance. King of reptiles the ‘Nagraj’ Cobra Snake, Queen of Iguanas, King of local tortoises ‘Tarkesh’ tortoise, King of Chameleons, King of Pangolins ‘Pegosh’, Queen of lizards ‘Chhipkawati’ etc. also inhabited in this colony. Other than this other animals-birds also inhabited this place.

Porcupine colony was a small colony situated on the outskirts of Insect colony and Reptiles colony. The colonies of Squirrels, rats, Jhhau rates were also present in Porcupine colony, which were predominated by squirrel’s queen ‘Gilwanti’, ‘Mooshakraj’ rat, ‘Jhhaul’ Jhhau rate respectively.

In Worms colony Earthworm, Leech, Bristle Worm, Small Ants, Big Ants, Beetle, Bug, Cockroach, Honey-Bee, Phileas, Spider, Grasshopper, Glow-worm, Butterfly, Bumble-Bee, Wasp, Moth, Cricket, Stick Insect, Mantis, Scorpion etc., various kind of worms were present in abundance. Honey-Bees’ queen Madhuwati, Spiders queen Makadawati, Glow-worms’ king Juggapati, Bumble-Bees’ king Bhanwaresh, Butterflies’ queen Titawati, Ants’ queen Chintawati, Grasshoppers’ king Tiddesh, Wasps’ king Tataiyesh, Cockroaches’ king Kakresh, Beetles’ king Bitesh, Leeches’ queen Jonkawati, Big Ants’ King Chintesh etc. also lived in this colony.

Vanamrita River originating from the Jalpur region of Jalgarh Estate flowing through the Vrikshpur, Nadipur regions of Jangalgarh Estate, crossing the Dev valley entered into the Baba’s Jungle and moved out from the eastern part flowing in the terrain region of this forest. The Varnasha River used to unite into this Vanamrita River in the terrain region of Baba’s Jungle.

Vanamrita River was the only one river which streamed all year in the Baba’s Jungle. It was life’s elixir for Baba’s Jungle.

The valley present in the south-eastern plateau region of Baba’s Jungle was known as Dev Valley, as at some distance from this valley there was temple of Jangleshwar Mahadev in Jungle Gaon. The Vanamrita River introduced into Baba’s jungle through this valley. There was a bridge over Vanamrita River in Jungle Gaon which was called as Dev Bridge.

The valley set in the Hathi Hill at some distance from the Mitra Valley was known with the name of Nadi Valley. Vanmahi River flowed out of Junglegarh Estate into the Baba’s Jungle and again left Baba’s Jungle after flowing for some distance. The residents of Jungle Gaon called this river Mitravahini River. There was a bridge built over Mitravahini River in Jungle Gaon which was known as Maitrey Bridge.

The foliages found in the terrain region of Baba’s Jungle were known as Terrain flora. These foliages primarily included Ghok, Konch, Catechu, Ghatbor, Arooj, Rohida, Jaal, Ker, Thorny Acacia (Kantila Babool), Saalar, Butea (Palash), Gurjun, Mango, Blackberry, Banyan, Acacia, Berry, Heens, Rojh, Mustard Tree (Pilu), Tendu, Margosa(Neem), Date Palm, Mulberry, Pomegranate, Guava, Lemon, Emblic Myrobalan (Amla).

The south-eastern part of Baba’s Jungle was a vast and high plateau region. It was called as the Pathari Region of this Jungle. Vanamrita River entered into the terrain covering this region. Dev Valley was also located in this same region.

Two tributary rivers Mayuri and Garudi emerging from Junglegarh Estate flowed through this region and merged into the Vanamrita River.

There were two types of colonies of birds in the plateau region. If there was colony of non-raptorial birds serried with terrain part in this region then there was colony of raptorial birds in its higher altitude region.

The king of non-raptorial colony was a Peacock named Mayuresh. This colony was a habitation for various species of birds which lived in small-big groups, such as Quail (Bater), Francolin (Teetar), Fowl (Wild Hen), Peafowl (Peacock), Bustard, Houbara, Florican (Charat), Grudge, Pigeon (Kabootar), Dove (Dove), Parakeet (Parrot), Cuckoo, Brain Fever Bird, Koel, Malkoha, Coucal, Swift (Aababeel), Trogon (Kufani Chidee), Kingfisher (Kilkila), Bee Eater (Patringa), Roller, Hopi (Hudhud), Hornbill (Dhanesh), Barbet (Basant), Rainek, Woodpecker (KathPhodwa), Piculet, Broadbill, Pitta (Navrang), Lark (Agiya), Martin (Chetan Ababil), Swallow (Ababil), Shrike (Lotra), Oriole (Agiya), Drago (Kotwal, Bhujang), Starling (Abalak), Mynah, Indian Roller (Neelkanth), Minivet (Bulalchasham), Treepie (Mahalat), Crow (Kauwan), Evora (Subagi), Chloropsis (Hirwa), Philomel (Bulbul), Blue Bird, Jungle Babbler Bird (Sat-Bhai), Leiothrix, Sibia, Laughing Thrush, Fly Catcher (Turra), Warbler, Prinia (Putki), Tailorbird (Darji Chidiya), Throat, Robin (Dahiyal), Shama, Sutar, Chat, Wheatear, Thrush, Blackbird, Tit, Nuthatch, Pipit, Flower Picker (FoolChugi), Wagtail (Pilkiya), Sunbird (Shakkarkhora), Spider Hunter, White Eye, Sparrow (Chidiya), Weaver (Baya), Munia, Rosefinch, Bunting (Gandham). These birds lived under dominance of kings of their own species and the king of all these species Mayuresh.

The colony of raptorial birds was inhabited by various species of birds like Kite (Cheel), Accipiter, Buzzard (Chuhamaar), Hawk, Shikra, Eagle (Grud), Harrier, Osprey, Vulture (Giddh), Falcon, Nightjar (Chipaka), Owl (Ulloo) etc.

The queen of Kites Cheelwanti, king of Accipiters Bajesh, king of Buzzard Burjesh, king of Hawks Hakesh, king of Eagles Grudesh, king of Harriers Heresh, king of Falcon Falkesh, king of Owl Ullesh, king Shikras Shikresh, king of Nightjars Nightesh, king of Bats Chamgapati were also indwelling in the colony of raptorial birds.

The surface of plateau region was uneven, and covered with brown-black soil.

The flora found in plateau region was known as plateau flora. It was densely blanketed by the trees of species like Acacia, Butea, Mango, Blackberry, Banyan, Ghok, Tendu, Catechu (Khair), Bamboo, Sycamore, Belleric Myrobalan (Baheda), White Siris, Karanj, Mahua, Kachnar, Chironji, Bael, Biya, Teak, Arjun, Timaru, Gurjan, Tamarind, Sal, Custard Apple, Guava, Pomegranate etc.

Thus Baba’s jungle was a great and wonderful forest.

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Chapter 4

Admission to School

G ungun was the only son of her mother. Gungun’s father passed away three months before his birth. Gungun could not even have a look of his father. Gungun’s father earned his livelihood by fetching parched wood, Bulb-root fruits, herbs etc. from the forest and then selling them. Besides, they had a very small farm which was usually taken care of by Gungun’s mother.

Gungun’s father’s name was Rakkha and mother’s name was Haria. Gungun’s mother used to go into the forest to assist and provide food to his father. But after her husband’s demise Gungun’s mother had never gone to the forest, as she started to hate the forest. Now she was depending only on farming for herself and Gungun’s subsistence.

She wanted go far away from the village with Gungun. The only reason she didn’t want to live in the village was association of the forest with the village.

When Gungun had completed four years of his birth and was in the fifth year of his life, then one day two teachers of Gungle Gaon Vidya Mandir School came to Gungun’s mother and said- Gungun is now old enough to go to school, so start sending him to the school.

I don’t want to live in this village, my mother spoke looking with eyes filled full of abhorrence as if they had spoken something very awry. As Gungun grows up some more, I will sell out the farm and go to the city and work there for subsistence and send Gungun to school for his education. Everybody knows in this village that I don’t wish to reside in this village.

If Gungun studies till seventh standard he could be able to earn something. One of the teacher said consecrating my mother, Then you both will be able to live in the city comfortably. Enough money is needed for residing and Gungun’s education in the city.

My mother started cogitating; now there were no expressions of abhorrence on her face.

Gungun’s father was a good friend of mine, you know that very well. Secondly the teacher spoke showing great intimacy, I have visited together with him to your house many a times in the past and I have had food made by you many a times aswell.

When Gungun was not even born he always used to say that, ‘Master Sir, I will educate my son to become a good person like you.’ But my friend Rakhkha is no more in this world and as a friend it is my responsibility to help you fulfil his dream.

There is only one maternal uncle of Gungun, my mother spoke after thinking sometime. He was a Manager in medicine factory in Shahargarh, he has often asked us to come and reside in Shahargarh. But I want to provide education to Gungun with my own efforts; I don’t have enough money for Gungun’s education in Shahargarh, therefore I don’t even want to go to Sharhargarh. But now as you are asking I will stay in the village and let Gungun study till seventh standard.

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Chapter 5

First Year in First Class: Gungun Failed

G ungun’s mother had admitted Gungun to the village school. Gungun’ mother only dreamt that somehow Gungun clears seventh standard. She arranged for the books, school fee, school dress etc. of Gungun by working hard day & night and saving each and every single penny. Not only this, she was also depositing money for future education of Gungun in the city.

Since when Gungun started understanding he heard of only one thing from his mother that he had to fulfil Gungun you pass out seventh standard then we will settle in the city, there you could work or get higher education. We have to leave this village as soon as possible.

These words of his mother echoed all the time in the heart and soul of Gungun. Gungun was a very obedient son of his mother, so whatever his mother said once became absolute duty for him, and in this case the words he has heard thousand times from his mother, were like God’s order to Gungun that he had to serve. So, Gungun was concerned about only one thing that how come he passes seventh standard and fulfil his mother’s desire.

Gungun felt most happy when he obeyed his mother’s words. He always extended his hand to help his mother. Sometimes he used to sweep or wash up kitchen utensils then his mother told the same thing Gungun you study and do nothing else. I like to watch you studying, don’t do anything just clear seventh standard.

Whenever Gungun heard these words he got saddened, as he had a rigour because of which it was just like impossible for him to pass even first standard and passing out classes till seventh standard was a thought of far away distance.

Gungun could not remember the words spoken by humans for long. Thus he could not recall the books studied in the school and whatever taught by the teachers. In such circumstances how could he pass exams?

Where Gungun could not memorise words uttered by humans, there he could memorise the words spoken by animals-birds spontaneously in the first attempt. But Gungun had not fruits to enjoy out of this feature of his, as this could not help him pass the exams.

When Gungun went to school for the first time teachers tried to make him learn A AA i EE…., Ka Kha Ga…….., Ka for Kabootar (Pigeon), Kha for Khargosh (Rabbit)……., Counting, Tables etc. but it did not work out.

Besides this lacuna Gungun also had some peculiarities. He used to go school regularly. He respected teachers and his classmates. Usually he was beaten and scolded by teachers as he was the weakest in studies, but he never felt bad about this treatment by the teachers as he knew that the teachers did so only for his benevolence. Gungun’s behaviour was such that all teachers liked him too.

Gungun’s classmates used to make fun of him and all of them called him Dhhapol Shankh (Dull). As Gungun was physically feeble some children called him Sookhi Lakadi (dry wood) and others as Mariyal Pahalwan (weedy wrestler) but Gungun never responded back to them and that why everybody considered him as coward.

Gungun was never really bothered by these comments. His world was different as he had only one purport in his eyes to fulfil his mother’s dream.

A girl named Ninni studied in Gungun’s class. He was very beautiful. Big eyes, sharp nose, wheatish colour, long-black hair, as much she was beautiful that much she was dextrous in studies too. She was considered as one of the most intelligent students of the class and she was brave aswell.

Ninni’s situation was somewhat similar to Gungun. She didn’t have parents and lived with her uncle-aunt. Uncle loved her very much but Aunt’s attitude was little bit acrid. Consequently she always felt want for her mother.

Ninni used to be entangled within books all day, whenever seen found studying some book. Other than school books she also had very intense habit of reading story books. Ninni was also a kind hearted person similar to Gungun.

Together with Ninni her Uncle’s son Pankaj also studied in the school and everybody called him Pickoo. He was very innocent. Ninni cared about Pickoo’s studies too together with her own.

Gungun was weakest student of the class; hence he had to sit in the last row of the class and Ninni, as she was a brilliant student, therefore set in the front row of the class. In context of studies Gungun were Ninni were opposite of each other. Even then Ninni liked character of Gungun very much and she almost always used to talk with Gungun only, Gungun and Ninni had become great friends.

One day Ninni asked Gungun- Children tease you, call you coward, why don’t you reply back? Why don’t you discord them?

Gungun- "Ninni I am not a coward, nobody is