In the days of British rule, hunting tigers in India (called “Shikar”) was a big deal for important visitors, military men, and even forest rangers. There were no limits on hunting, so it became a popular way for men to show off their bravery and strength. British officials and Indian royals both loved hunting these magnificent tigers, which were only found in India. You can still see reminders of this today, like the Shikar Odhi also called Odhi Ram Sagar in Jaipur.
Shikaar Oudhi in Jhalana is a hunting lodge in Jaipur which is still a hidden place with no signs even on social media. This place offers a glimpse into the past, when tiger hunting was a common activity for powerful people during British colonial rule in India. Here is all you need to know about the tiger shooting in Jaipur during the colonial period.
Exploring Shikaar Oudi: Tiger Hunting Lodge
Shikaar Oudhi (also spelled Odhi), a former hunting lodge built by a Jaipur ruler, is hidden deep within the jungle. Since it’s in a protected area, you’ll need a permit from the Jaipur Forest Department to visit. To get there, you can either hike or take a jeep safari.
Take a 40-minute hike deep into the jungle and you’ll discover a hidden gem: Odhi Ram Sagar. This complex of three hunting lodges, Lalit Vilas, Gopal Vilas, and Ganga Vilas, was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II of Jaipur near a lake called Ram Sagar.
The hunting lodges at Shikaar Odhi were built for a reason: their proximity to Ram Sagar lake. Animals, likely tigers, would come here to drink water, making them easy targets. While there’s no proof these lodges were exclusive to tigers, big cat hunting was a popular sport for royalty and British visitors in colonial India (“Shikaar”). These hunts, documented in countless photos of proud hunters with their kills, significantly contributed to the decline of tigers in India.
Among the hunting lodges, Lalit Vilas reigns supreme in size. Nestled nearby are Gopal Vilas and Ganga Vilas. Interestingly, one of these two is perched on a hill, offering a breathtaking vista with Lalit Vilas in the view below.
Inside Lalit Vilas, the signs of tantric activities were evident. The walls are covered in mysterious writing and instructions, hinting at a different kind of activity beyond hunting. One room even has a temple, which seems like an odd addition since the building wasn’t originally designed for religious purposes. The presence of a “Shiva Pariwar” or “Shiva Panchayat” (statues depicting the Hindu god Shiva and his family) further suggests this room was converted for a different use.
Local lore suggests Lalit Vilas wasn’t always abandoned. According to the story, a tantric (someone who practices a mystical form of Hinduism) and their family lived there until they were forced out. The Forest Department now controls the locked-up building. What the tantric used the place for remains a mystery – a simple home or something more ritualistic, perhaps connected to the occult?
The building shows some wear and tear, both from neglect and possibly some vandalism. While it hasn’t been completely trashed, time hasn’t been kind either. Interestingly, this suggests someone might have been able to access it despite being off-limits to most.
Despite being unkempt, Lalit Vilas still hints at its past glory. You can imagine how stunning it must have been in its prime! The white and green lime plaster walls (Araish) add a touch of elegance. Interestingly, the windows seem designed for rifle fire, suggesting its hunting purpose. The size hints at a massive entourage – the hunting party likely included a large support staff. These expeditions were probably multi-day affairs, with the hunters camping here in search of tigers.
Unlike Lalit Vilas, the other hunting lodges are smaller and more basic, with just a few rooms each. Despite their humble size, they’re valuable pieces of history, offering a glimpse into the past. However, their current state is quite sad. Allowing regular tourist access in this natural forest area wouldn’t be practical. Perhaps controlled access through forest safaris might be a possibility, but that’s a decision for the Forest Department.
Hunting Parties and Extinction of Tigers
These hunting lodges and safaris are a sad reminder of the devastating impact on Indian jungles and wildlife. This so-called “nobleman’s sport” caused irreparable damage, even leading to the extinction of a tiger subspecies in India. Now, let’s explore the reasons why tiger hunting was practiced in the first place.
- When tigers turned into man-eaters
Tiger hunting wasn’t always just for entertainment. There are documented cases of hunting tigers that had become man-eaters, posing a threat to human life. Additionally, villagers sometimes called upon rulers to cull tigers that preyed heavily on their livestock.
- Tiger Hunting in India a royal sport
In the past, tiger hunting was a popular activity among Indian royalty, kind of like how video games are a leisure activity today. It was seen as a sport fit for kings.
- Tiger hunting was used to earn brownie points
For Indian rulers, tiger hunting was like serving an elaborate feast to an important guest. By guaranteeing a successful tiger hunt for visiting British dignitaries, the rulers aimed to impress and gain favor. A happy “guest” with a prized tiger kill meant potential political or economic benefits.
Methods for tiger hunting in colonial India
- The bait system
- The beating system
- The shooting of the Caracas of the bait at night
- The system of shooting when the hunt returns from the walk
- The system of shooting on the water when the hunt come to drink
The future of Shikar Oudhi Hunting Lodge in Jaipur
Despite its dark history, Shikaar Odhi stands out as the largest and most impressive hunting lodge complex in Jaipur. Interestingly, these historical buildings have sparked new ideas! A couple of Jaipur restaurants, Shikaar Bagh and Townsend, draw inspiration from the concept, though their architecture leans more towards a British exposed-stone style.
Hopefully, these hunting lodges will be restored and preserved. The question remains: what will the Jaipur Forest Department do with this piece of history built under Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II? Here’s an idea: turn them into a museum! This museum could educate visitors about the dark side of tiger hunting in British India and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our wildlife.
