Kaboot(W)ar

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)

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.

Chapter 1 - The Symphony

"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.

| 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.

| 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.