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)

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.

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.

"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?

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.

| 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.

He is wise to turn around an adverse situation to his benefit.

"In the midst of chaos, there is also an opportunity."

| Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Chapter 5 - The Challenger

Even though their might be plenty of food for everyone to eat, its a pigeon's nature to chase away as many as they can, and impress their dominance upon the weaker members of their tribe.

Minding their own business does not come easy to them, just like their human counterparts. They like to butt in and try and pick a fight and hence this particular one is known as the challenger. It might not necessarily result in them winning the hand but that is not a deterrant to their cause which is concerned with only one thing - bring it on!!

"In the midst of chaos, there is also an opportunity."

| Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Chapter 5 - The Challenger

Even though their might be plenty of food for everyone to eat, its a pigeon's nature to chase away as many as they can, and impress their dominance upon the weaker members of their tribe.

"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.

"If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak , that he may grow arrogant."

| Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Chapter 8 - The Bickering

Surprising as it may seem, silent methods of communication are also popular amongst the pigeons.

Many a times, they seem to be just looking at one another silently as if communicating their intentions via telepathy. Maybe they believe in the power of the mind or the fact that they are merely a more peaceful natured pigeon than the rest.

Though this might not necessarily work always, unless you are a big bully pigeon - a little pecking to add to the effect might help in defeating the opponent.

"If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak , that he may grow arrogant."

| Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Chapter 8 - The Bickering

Surprising as it may seem, silent methods of communication are also popular amongst the pigeons.

Though this might not necessarily work always, unless you are a big bully pigeon - a little pecking to add to the effect might help in defeating the opponent.

Chapter 9 - The Showstopper

Amongst a crowd of peaceful pigeons, who are only concerned with eating as much as they possibly can, there are always the odd ones who must pick a fight. They are the show-stoppers and must have the final word. As they engage in their duel, the surrounding pigeons are least bothered about them as they go on their business as usual.

"One may know how to conquer without being able to do it. If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. To know your enemy, you must become your enemy. The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."

| Sun Tzu, The Art of War

"There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted." | Sun Tzu, The Art of War

"Always respect your opponents because they are enemies you have generated. The reason why they look like enemies is that we are all contestants who want to reach a common goal, that's all". | Mustafa Dönmez

"Your opponent never knows what you have in mind, until you make the first move." | Alan Maiccon

"One fine morning, I awoke to discover that, during the night, I had learned to understand the language of birds. I have listened to them ever since. They say: 'Look at me!' or: 'Get out of here!' or: Let's fuck!" or: 'Help!' or: 'Hurrah!' or: I found a worm!' and that's all they say. And that, when you boil it down, is about all we say." | Hollis Frampton, Circles of Confusion: Film, Photography, Video: Texts, 1968-1980

"One fine morning, I awoke to discover that, during the night, I had learned to understand the language of birds. I have listened to them ever since. They say: 'Look at me!' or: 'Get out of here!' or: 'Let's fuck!' or: 'Help!' or: 'Hurrah!' or: 'I found a worm!' and that's all they say. And that, when you boil it down, is about all we say."

|Hollis Frampton, Circles of Confusion: Film, Photography, Video: Texts, 1968-1980

"One fine morning, I awoke to discover that, during the night, I had learned to understand the language of birds. I have listened to them ever since. They say: 'Look at me!' or: 'Get out of here!' or: 'Let's fuck!' or: 'Help!' or: 'Hurrah!' or: 'I found a worm!' and that's all they say. And that, when you boil it down, is about all we say."

|Hollis Frampton, Circles of Confusion: Film, Photography, Video: Texts, 1968-1980

Chapter 9 - The Showstopper

"One fine morning, I awoke to discover that, during the night, I had learned to understand the language of birds. I have listened to them ever since. They say: 'Look at me!' or: 'Get out of here!' or: 'Let's fuck!' or: 'Help!' or: 'Hurrah!' or: 'I found a worm!' and that's all they say. And that, when you boil it down, is about all we say."

|Hollis Frampton, Circles of Confusion: Film, Photography, Video: Texts, 1968-1980

"Your opponent never knows what you have in mind, until you make the first move." | Alan Maiccon

"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.

"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.

"In the midst of chaos, there is also an opportunity."

| Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Chapter 5 - The Challenger

Even though their might be plenty of food for everyone to eat, its a pigeon's nature to chase away as many as they can, and impress their dominance upon the weaker members of their tribe.

Kaboot(war)

"If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak , that he may grow arrogant."

| Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Chapter 8 - The Bickering

Surprising as it may seem, silent methods of communication are also popular amongst the pigeons.

Though this might not necessarily work always, unless you are a big bully pigeon - a little pecking to add to the effect might help in defeating the opponent.

"If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak , that he may grow arrogant."

| Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Chapter 8 - The Bickering

Surprising as it may seem, silent methods of communication are also popular amongst the pigeons.

Though this might not necessarily work always, unless you are a big bully pigeon - a little pecking to add to the effect might help in defeating the opponent.