A History of Agriculture in India v2.c62.s1: Shikar
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c62.s1
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Shikar
v2.c62.s1.1
Sultan Firoz spent much time in hunting. The shikar department was organized under an Amir-i-shikar. Under him were minor officers for the care and keeping of royal falcons and leopards. Under them were Shikardars who carried the animals and birds on the day of the chase. Following an old Persian tradition he built a great walled enclosure as royal preserve for wild animals on a piece of land extending to about 24 miles (38.6 km) near Delhi. Deer, nilgai and jungle fowl were the popular game. Rhinoceros and wolves were found in the hills of the Punjab. It was the privilege of the monarch to hunt lions.
v2.c62.s1.2
Shams-i-Siraj states that when Firoz Tughlak used to go out for the chase, a big procession was formed. Forty to fifty special standards and two specially designed emblems, adorned with peacock feathers, were carried in front of the Sultan on both sides. Behind them were trained wild animals, e.g. cheetahs and lynxes, followed by hounds. Then followed the keepers of eagles and falcons on horse-back.