Kaboot(W)ar
Kaboot(W)ar
Kaboot(W)ar
He rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon (scientific name: Columba livia) is a member of the bird family Columbidae. In common usage, this bird is often simply referred to as the "pigeon". The title is inspired by its name in my native language - Hindi, in which they are called "Kabootar" and the book "The Art of War - Sun Tzu," Attributed to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, "The Art of War' is an ancient military treatise dating approximately 5th century B.C., comprising of thirteen chapters, each devoted to a specific aspect of warfare and its application in military strategies and tactics.
The common pigeons, who appear serene and peaceful on the outside are not actually so; they are a highly territorial species when it comes to sharing food and more often than not get into fights with one another. Studying them for a few years now and specifically for the past 3-4 months, many aspects about their behaviour came into light- the one that really fascinated me was how graceful and in rhythm they appeared to be despite the fact that they are involved in some kind of a tussle. Each move of theirs appear to be a hug, a kiss, a caress...
This illusion of love and how deceitful it actually can be inspired the title for this photobook - the name 'Kabootar from its Hindi language origin and their artistic masterstrokes of chasing their opponent away, inspired the 'war' bit of it.
Kaboot(war)
The common pigeons, who appear serene and peaceful on the outside are not actually so; they are a highly territorial species when it comes to sharing food and more often than not get into fights with one another. Studying them for a few years now and specifically for the past 3-4 months, many aspects about their behaviour came into light- the one that really fascinated me was how graceful and in rhythm they appeared to be despite the fact that they are involved in some kind of a tussle. Each move of theirs appear to be a hug, a kiss, a caress...
This illusion of love and how deceitful it actually can be inspired the title for this photobook - the name 'Kabootar from its Hindi language origin and their artistic masterstrokes of chasing their opponent away, inspired the 'war' bit of it.
Kaboot(war)
The common pigeons, who appear serene and peaceful on the outside are not actually so; they are a highly territorial species when it comes to sharing food and more often than not get into fights with one another. Studying them for a few years now and specifically for the past 3-4 months, many aspects about their behaviour came into light- the one that really fascinated me was how graceful and in rhythm they appeared to be despite the fact that they are involved in some kind of a tussle. Each move of theirs appear to be a hug, a kiss, a caress...
This illusion of love and how deceitful it actually can be inspired the title for this photobook - the name 'Kabootar from its Hindi language origin and their artistic masterstrokes of chasing their opponent away, inspired the 'war' bit of it.
Kaboot(war)
Fourthly, ever since I could visually see in my frames, the slicing of these fights and their moves and manoeuvres, somehow "The Art of War by Sun Tzu' refuses to go out of my mind. War is war - be it humans or any other species- each specie will try and attempt effective tactics and strategies that will result in the defeat of its opponent. It greatly helped to see how these pigeons defeat a weaker opponent and the practices they adopt.
Fourthly, ever since I could visually see in my frames, the slicing of these fights and their moves and manoeuvres, somehow "The Art of War by Sun Tzu' refuses to go out of my mind. War is war - be it humans or any other species- each specie will try and attempt effective tactics and strategies that will result in the defeat of its opponent. It greatly helped to see how these pigeons defeat a weaker opponent and the practices they adopt.
Fourthly, ever since I could visually see in my frames, the slicing of these fights and their moves and manoeuvres, somehow "The Art of War by Sun Tzu' refuses to go out of my mind. War is war - be it humans or any other species- each specie will try and attempt effective tactics and strategies that will result in the defeat of its opponent. It greatly helped to see how these pigeons defeat a weaker opponent and the practices they adopt.
Lastly, I want to dedicate this book and its images to the great masters who have taught us everything about photography and because of whom photography is where it is today. They have said beautiful, inspirational and true things that are timeless and will stand true for generations to come.
Chapter 1 - The Symphony
The pigeons face each other as they engage in a rhythmic movement as if dancing to an invisible orchestra.I watch as they reach into what seems like an embrace at first, tip-toeing to kiss one another.
They spin around with their wings spread wide over and over, their necks entangled. Sometimes the tempo is slow, sometimes it is so rapid and fierce that one can barely make out whats going on. It seems too beautiful to be a struggle or a fight, too graceful to be dangerous - almost choreographed.
Its complex only in the sense that what the eyes see and comprehend is far from the reality - its an illusion of harmony, a rhythm, a grace; this is war, which will result in the exit of one of the players from the scene.
Lastly, I want to dedicate this book and its images to the great masters who have taught us everything about photography and because of whom photography is where it is today. They have said beautiful, inspirational and true things that are timeless and will stand true for generations to come.
Chapter 1 - The Symphony
The pigeons face each other as they engage in a rhythmic movement as if dancing to an invisible orchestra.I watch as they reach into what seems like an embrace at first, tip-toeing to kiss one another.
They spin around with their wings spread wide over and over, their necks entangled. Sometimes the tempo is slow, sometimes it is so rapid and fierce that one can barely make out whats going on. It seems too beautiful to be a struggle or a fight, too graceful to be dangerous - almost choreographed.
Its complex only in the sense that what the eyes see and comprehend is far from the reality - its an illusion of harmony, a rhythm, a grace; this is war, which will result in the exit of one of the players from the scene.
Lastly, I want to dedicate this book and its images to the great masters who have taught us everything about photography and because of whom photography is where it is today. They have said beautiful, inspirational and true things that are timeless and will stand true for generations to come.
Chapter 1 - The Symphony
The pigeons face each other as they engage in a rhythmic movement as if dancing to an invisible orchestra.I watch as they reach into what seems like an embrace at first, tip-toeing to kiss one another.
They spin around with their wings spread wide over and over, their necks entangled. Sometimes the tempo is slow, sometimes it is so rapid and fierce that one can barely make out whats going on. It seems too beautiful to be a struggle or a fight, too graceful to be dangerous - almost choreographed.
Its complex only in the sense that what the eyes see and comprehend is far from the reality - its an illusion of harmony, a rhythm, a grace; this is war, which will result in the exit of one of the players from the scene.
"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near."
| Sun tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 2- The Tussle
Some pigeons engage in what appears to be a dialogue concerning food and territory rights.
It seems like talking and negotiating tactics are deployed first before the actual moves to evict someone forcefully are adopted.
Clearly the conversations did not prove to be of much use here. And when all else fails, sheer force is enough by the stronger contender to literally beak its way out of an argument gone wrong.
"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near."
| Sun tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 2- The Tussle
Some pigeons engage in what appears to be a dialogue concerning food and territory rights.
It seems like talking and negotiating tactics are deployed first before the actual moves to evict someone forcefully are adopted.
Clearly the conversations did not prove to be of much use here. And when all else fails, sheer force is enough by the stronger contender to literally beak its way out of an argument gone wrong.
"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near."
| Sun tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 2- The Tussle
Some pigeons engage in what appears to be a dialogue concerning food and territory rights.
It seems like talking and negotiating tactics are deployed first before the actual moves to evict someone forcefully are adopted.
Clearly the conversations did not prove to be of much use here. And when all else fails, sheer force is enough by the stronger contender to literally beak its way out of an argument gone wrong.
"To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 3- The Spectator
Who says pigeons don't get entertainment?
Piegon fights are amusing, especially when you have a spectator around. As this bewildered pigeon looks at the engaged contenders, it cannot help but remain glued to the action so much so that it forgets to even eat, its primary purpose to be there in the first place.
And like any good warriors, the contenders remain oblivious to the audience around and remain completely focused on their ongoing struggle.
"To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 3- The Spectator
Who says pigeons don't get entertainment?
Piegon fights are amusing, especially when you have a spectator around. As this bewildered pigeon looks at the engaged contenders, it cannot help but remain glued to the action so much so that it forgets to even eat, its primary purpose to be there in the first place.
And like any good warriors, the contenders remain oblivious to the audience around and remain completely focused on their ongoing struggle.
"To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 3- The Spectator
Who says pigeons don't get entertainment?
Piegon fights are amusing, especially when you have a spectator around. As this bewildered pigeon looks at the engaged contenders, it cannot help but remain glued to the action so much so that it forgets to even eat, its primary purpose to be there in the first place.
And like any good warriors, the contenders remain oblivious to the audience around and remain completely focused on their ongoing struggle.
"Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment that which they cannot anticipate."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 4- The Opportunist
While some cannot keep their eyes off the live entertainment like we saw in the previous chapter, there is another category of pigeons who are known to be great opportunists.
For them, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of an adverse situation. While the contenders remain engaged in their fight, kicking off grain from the feeder bowl in its wake, the opportunist grabs and quickly consumes all the grain flying around at the time.
He is wise to turn around an adverse situation to his benefit.
"Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment that which they cannot anticipate."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 4- The Opportunist
While some cannot keep their eyes off the live entertainment like we saw in the previous chapter, there is another category of pigeons who are known to be great opportunists.
For them, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of an adverse situation. While the contenders remain engaged in their fight, kicking off grain from the feeder bowl in its wake, the opportunist grabs and quickly consumes all the grain flying around at the time.
He is wise to turn around an adverse situation to his benefit.
"Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment that which they cannot anticipate."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 4- The Opportunist
While some cannot keep their eyes off the live entertainment like we saw in the previous chapter, there is another category of pigeons who are known to be great opportunists.
For them, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of an adverse situation. While the contenders remain engaged in their fight, kicking off grain from the feeder bowl in its wake, the opportunist grabs and quickly consumes all the grain flying around at the time.
He is wise to turn around an adverse situation to his benefit.
"Appear weak when you're strong, and strong when you're weak."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 6 - The Kung-fu
Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art focusing primarily on hand & arm strikes and kicking techniques.
The common Pigeon practices the same with their wings and beaks, plus an occasional kick via their claws is not ruled out either.
Do not be fooled by their deceptive outer appearances - they will not think twice about using these manouevres and tactics to defeat and chase their opponent away.
"Appear weak when you're strong, and strong when you're weak."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 6 - The Kung-fu
Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art focusing primarily on hand & arm strikes and kicking techniques.
The common Pigeon practices the same with their wings and beaks, plus an occasional kick via their claws is not ruled out either.
Do not be fooled by their deceptive outer appearances - they will not think twice about using these manouevres and tactics to defeat and chase their opponent away.
"Knowing the enemy enables you to take the offensive, knowing yourself enables you to stand on the defensive."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 7 - The Pecking
Pecking seems to be the most popular amongst Pigeon's moves, along with being the most used as well.
A lot of struggles and bloodier fights are avoided by this strategic move adopted by this species. The constant pecking along with the irritation
that follows it, has been observed to successfully result in the defeat of the lesser patient of the two opponents.
"Knowing the enemy enables you to take the offensive, knowing yourself enables you to stand on the defensive."
| Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Chapter 7 - The Pecking
Pecking seems to be the most popular amongst Pigeon's moves, along with being the most used as well.
A lot of struggles and bloodier fights are avoided by this strategic move adopted by this species. The constant pecking along with the irritation
that follows it, has been observed to successfully result in the defeat of the lesser patient of the two opponents.
