What Is the Mayur and Why Is It Important in India?

The term “Mayur” is the Hindi word for the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), a bird native to the Indian subcontinent. Celebrated for its beauty, the mayur holds a significant place within India’s cultural and religious traditions. Its identity is woven into the nation’s heritage through ancient stories, religious texts, and national symbolism, making it an enduring emblem of India.

Characteristics of the Indian Peafowl

The Indian Peafowl exhibits a notable difference between the sexes, a condition known as sexual dimorphism. The male, or peacock, is distinguished by its metallic blue neck and breast and a train of elongated upper-tail covert feathers. This train, which can be over a meter long, is adorned with iridescent ocelli, or eyespots, and is fanned out during courtship displays. The train itself is not the tail but is composed of 100-150 specialized feathers that make up about 60% of the bird’s total body length.

In contrast, the female, or peahen, has more subdued plumage, with a mix of brown, grey, and green feathers and a white belly. This coloration serves as effective camouflage, protecting her from predators while she nests and cares for her young. Both sexes possess a distinctive fan-shaped crest of feathers on their heads. Peafowl are ground-dwelling birds that inhabit open forests and cultivated lands, foraging for seeds, grains, insects, and small reptiles, and are known for their loud, piercing calls.

Symbolism in Hinduism

The mayur is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology and is associated with several deities. Its most prominent role is as the vahana, or mount, of Kartikeya, the god of war. In this context, the peacock, named Paravani, represents splendor, victory, and the control over ego and pride. By riding the peacock, Kartikeya demonstrates his mastery over these human vanities.

The bird is also linked to Lord Krishna, who is depicted wearing a peacock feather, or mor pankh, in his crown. Legend holds that peacocks would dance in joy to the sound of Krishna’s flute, offering him their feathers as a token of devotion. This association imbues the feather with symbolism of divine beauty, purity, and love. The mayur is also connected with goddesses like Lakshmi, who represents wealth and prosperity, and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.

Significance in Indian Culture

Beyond its religious importance, the mayur holds a significant place in the national identity of India. In 1963, the Indian Peafowl was officially declared the National Bird of India. This designation was chosen because of the bird’s widespread distribution, its deep-rooted presence in customs, and its representation of grace and beauty.

This cultural reverence is reflected in its frequent depiction across various forms of Indian art and architecture. For centuries, the peacock has been a recurring motif in temple carvings, Mughal miniature paintings, and textile designs. The Peacock Throne, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, was a testament to the bird’s association with royalty and grandeur. This presence in art and folklore solidifies the mayur’s status as an emblem of India’s heritage.

Conservation Status

The Indian Peafowl is listed as a species of “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, as its population is stable. This is largely due to its wide distribution and adaptability to different habitats, including those near human settlements. The bird’s sacred status in many parts of India has also historically afforded it a degree of protection from harm.

Despite this stable global status, the species is legally protected in India. The Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 grants the peafowl the highest level of protection under Schedule I, making it illegal to hunt or harm the bird. This legislation safeguards the species against localized threats, which include poaching for its meat and feathers, habitat degradation, and accidental poisoning from agricultural pesticides. Enforcement of this act allows for the collection of naturally shed feathers only.