Jungle Lore

Before opening this book a reader like me might have doubts as to whether this is as exciting as Corbett's hunting volumea but after going through it, it can surely be said that it is as exciting, if not more than the others. Let me categorise this as the knowledge base for the jungle seekers narrated in such a simple style as though the author is speaking to you and passing the knowledge in the true style of a lore. The sounds and sights of the Kumaon foothills are etched in the most descriptive way as are the inhabitants that populate it. Added to this is the humour of jungle that makes the volume enjoyable still. There are also situations that explains how the jungle signa can be interpreted which essentially are indicators of the activities of the folks there. Infact sometimes it is similar to detect ive stories where the clues left by the jungle dwellers help in estimating and identifying them as accurately as if they are being watched. The love for the animals as well as the poor forest people whom he calls the soul of India is apparent here. The simpleness of the soul and the raw instincts of the animals seemed to play a major part in the life of Corbett whose greatness of heart is revealed in the entire volume. That he loved the flora and faun of India and looked into all the natural souls with the utmost care is apparent as he says that of his graduation from the catapult to the shotgun and the rifle how he was taught and how he maintained to utilize his every kill to its most whether it be a trophy or for food. The respect that he showed to the jungle was also reflected as depicted in the introduction where the actor playing Corbett in a film is given a visit by an inhabitant who walked for miles for a glimpse on the actor whom he considered the same as the great hunter for whom all believe that he will return. A great book which gives a true insight of the wild India depicted by a great soul who was more a conservationist than modern world ever produced.