Old Delhi Sky Queen Pigeon Keeper

Old Delhi's Sky Queen: The Lone Woman Ruling the Rooftops in a Man's World of Pigeons

Old Delhi pulses with life as dusk approaches. The already teeming streets reach peak congestion. People edge through packed lanes. Auto-rickshaws honk, their drivers impatient in the snarl of traffic. Above this vibrant street-level clamour, however, a different kind of activity takes wing. A quieter, more graceful tradition unfolds against the fading light. Across the flat roofs of the old city quarters, pigeon handlers, the kabootarbaaz, release their treasured flocks. Whistles cut sharply through the dense air. Calls bounce between rooftops, a unique urban soundscape. The birds react, wheeling and diving. Their movements paint the vista above the city, creating a mesmerising aerial display. This synchronised flight unfolds like a ballet, performed far above the human bustle. This aerial dance offers a moment of transcendence, lifting the spirit above the immediate chaos.

Beyond Leisure: A Cultural Lifeline

Pigeon tending within Old Delhi signifies far more than simple recreation. It acts as a vital connection to the area's identity. This practice boasts deep roots stretching back to the city's grand Mughal heritage. Ratnendu Ray leads cultural excursions in Delhi. His work is associated with the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage, known as INTACH. Ray observes that a kabootarbaaz invests immense personal satisfaction concerning their pigeons. This feeling intertwines with personal meaning. It reinforces cultural affiliation and fosters a strong feeling of inclusion within the community. The birds represent continuity, linking present-day handlers to centuries of tradition. Their care constitutes an act of preserving history. It keeps alive a skill passed between generations, maintaining a tangible link to the city's layered past.

Ancient Origins, Royal Pastime

This practice of raising pigeons, identified locally through the term kabootarbazi, traces its origins deep into antiquity. Historical accounts suggest its genesis connects with the period associated with the Mahabharata epic. That era spanned roughly from 400BC to AD200. During these ancient times, people maintained pigeon flocks inside royal palaces. The birds served primarily for the amusement of nobility. Rana Safvi, a recognised writer and historian, points out that high-status ladies of the royal household often participated as spectators. They would position themselves within ornate enclosed balconies, termed jharokhas. From these vantage points, they observed the captivating aerial displays of the pigeons. This early association with monarchy bestowed upon the practice an air of refinement and prestige, embedding it within the cultural fabric of Indian courtly life long before its later evolution.

Evolution Under Muslim Rule

While the activity existed earlier, Rana Safvi clarifies its transformation. The pastime evolved significantly, becoming a widespread sport influenced by subsequent Muslim sovereigns. These rulers brought new cultural sensibilities and patronage systems. They actively encouraged various artistic and sporting pursuits. Pigeon fancying found fertile ground in this environment. It transitioned from purely regal entertainment to a more democratised activity. Enthusiasts emerged across different social strata, although courtly support remained crucial. This period saw the development of specific breeding lines. People refined training techniques. The competitive aspects of kabootarbazi began to take shape, laying the groundwork for the organised sport seen later. The transition marked a pivotal moment in the history of Indian pigeon keeping.

Jahangir's Passion: The Sport's Apex

Pigeon handling as an art reached its absolute pinnacle during Emperor Jahangir's reign. Jahangir, a Mughal emperor known for his aesthetic sensibilities and affection for nature, held a particular fascination for kabootarbazi. He famously drew a parallel between this practice and ishqbaazi, which translates approximately to the pursuit of love or passionate devotion. This comparison highlighted the deep emotional connection handlers felt towards their avian charges. Jahangir did not merely spectate; he actively participated and promoted the sport. He brought highly skilled pigeon cultivation specialists from various regions to his court in Delhi. Their collective expertise elevated the tradition. They introduced new methods and standards, pushing kabootarbazi to unprecedented levels of sophistication and refinement. His patronage cemented its status as a high art form within Mughal culture.

Image Credit - BBC

Hierarchies of Skill: From Apprentice to Master

Numerous pigeon cultivators throughout Delhi continue this rich tradition today. The community maintains a well-defined structure for recognising skill and experience. Aspiring handlers typically begin as trainees, referred to as shagirds. Under the guidance of seasoned keepers, they learn the intricate art of breeding, training, and nurturing the creatures. With time and demonstrated proficiency, a shagird might advance to the rank of khalifa. This intermediate stage signifies growing competence and standing among the fraternity. Ratnendu Ray notes the ultimate goal. Handlers strive for acknowledgment as an ustaad. This title signifies the ultimate degree of mastery one can achieve. Attaining ustaad status confers significant prestige and authority within the tightly-knit kabootarbazi world. It acknowledges years of dedication and exceptional skill.

Breaking Moulds: Delhi's Singular Female Keeper

Kabootarbazi conventionally proceeds as a male domain. Knowledge and passion typically transfer through patrilineal succession over countless generations. This patriarchal lineage reinforces its status as a man's pursuit. Within this established context, Shaheen Parveen represents a remarkable exception. She possesses the unique standing as the sole identified woman pigeon handler currently active in Delhi. Her presence challenges deeply ingrained cultural norms. Parveen carves out her space in a world traditionally closed to women. Her dedication and skill serve as a testament to individual passion transcending societal expectations. She navigates this male-dominated sphere with quiet determination, establishing her place through sheer talent and devotion to the creatures. Her story is one of gentle defiance and unwavering commitment.

Existence in Khawaja Mir Dard Basti

Within the active locale identified as Khawaja Mir Dard Basti, Shaheen Parveen adeptly manages various roles throughout her day. She transitions smoothly between being a committed spouse, a nurturing mother, and a doting grandmother. Her family life forms the bedrock of her existence. Yet, moments of solitude offer a different focus. Whenever unaccompanied, Parveen makes her way upwards. She ascends the simple bamboo stairs reaching the flat building top associated with her dwelling. This personal sanctuary sits considerably elevated over the narrow, congested lanes below. Down in those alleys, men gather at small eateries, enjoying the aroma of freshly fried kebabs. Parveen's rooftop world offers a stark contrast – a space dedicated to her feathered charges and the open sky. It is here her identity as a kabootarbaaz truly takes flight.

A Meticulous Daily Regimen

Parveen's day involving her pigeons commences with careful inspection. She meticulously examines each member of her flock, which surpasses one hundred individuals. Ensuring every creature thrives is her top priority. Only after this check does she provide their sustenance. She feeds them a specially prepared mixture of grains, tailored to their nutritional needs. Following feeding time, the training begins. Parveen disciplines her pigeons through controlled aerial exercises. These flights operate on timed schedules. She employs sharp whistles or distinct hand claps as recall signals, teaching the birds to respond instantly. Her training methods hone their instincts and build the crucial relationship between handler and flock. This requires patience, consistency, and deep understanding of pigeon behaviour.

Evening Duties and Competition Prep

As evening approaches, Parveen's responsibilities continue. Nightfall necessitates conducting roll calls. She accounts for every bird, ensuring all have returned safely to the elevated haven. Thorough nest checks are also part of the routine. She monitors breeding pairs and checks on young squabs. Beyond daily maintenance, Parveen constantly works to perfect her pigeons' abilities. She focuses particularly on skills crucial for competitions. This involves refining their homing instincts, building stamina for long flights, and ensuring sharp responsiveness to her commands. Preparation for races demands rigorous, ongoing effort. It requires strategic training tailored to the specific challenges of competitive pigeon flying. Parveen invests considerable time nurturing the competitive edge of her flock.

A Woman's Call Amidst the Men

At sunset, the air above Old Delhi fills with the calls of numerous kabootarbaaz summoning their flocks. Amidst this predominantly male chorus, Shaheen Parveen's distinctive vocalisation stands out clearly. Her call pierces the evening calm, reaching a high pitch that carries across the rooftops. When she projects her voice with force, heads turn. Residents peer out from their windows. People pause on their own terraces. Neighbours watch, hoping for sight of their admired avian handler in action. Parveen's presence, marked by her unique call, has become a familiar and admired part of the neighbourhood's daily rhythm. Her voice signifies not just pigeon handling skill, but also a quiet assertion of her place in this traditional world.

Finding Serenity Among the Flock

Engaging in kabootarbazi represents both inherited custom and deep personal fervor for Shaheen Parveen. The time allocated to her avian companions provides profound feelings towards inner peace and calm. Spending moments with the flock offers a necessary respite, a source of profound tranquillity amidst the demands of daily life. Missing this interaction can lead to feelings akin to physical unwellness. The pigeons occupy a significant emotional space, regarded with an affection similar to that felt for children. This deep emotional connection fuels her dedication. It provides the resilience needed to navigate the challenges associated with her unique position. The rooftop sanctuary, shared with her birds, becomes a space not just for training, but for essential emotional sustenance and personal equilibrium.

A Journey Fraught with Challenges

Shaheen Parveen's ascent towards the admired position she currently holds was far from straightforward. Her path into the male-dominated sphere of kabootarbazi presented numerous obstacles. Establishing herself required overcoming significant resistance and prejudice. Societal expectations often confined women to domestic roles, making her public activity involving pigeon husbandry unusual and, for some, unacceptable. She faced scepticism about her abilities simply because of her gender. Proving her competence demanded extra effort and unwavering resolve. The journey involved not only mastering the technical skills of pigeon handling but also navigating complex social dynamics and challenging long-held assumptions about gender roles within her community. Her success is a measure of both skill and tenacity.

Image Credit - BBC

Early Influences and Family Hurdles

Parveen attributes the spark for her initial enthusiasm for the activity to her father. Fond memories exist of daily rituals after school dismissal. Her father would escort her onto the building's upper level. Together, they observed his pigeons. These moments ignited a lasting affection for the creatures. This early, positive exposure laid the foundation for her future passion. However, familial support was not universal. She subsequently encountered strong objections from her brother. He explicitly forbade her engagement in the pastime, viewing it as improper for a young woman. This internal family conflict represented the first significant hurdle. It forced her to choose between familial expectation and her burgeoning personal interest, setting a pattern of gentle defiance that would continue later in life.

Persisting Against Societal Censure

Beyond initial family disapproval, Parveen later faced broader reproach from various people within the community. Detractors argued vigorously that tending pigeons was an unsuitable activity for a female. Such censure stemmed from traditional views regarding appropriate female behaviour and public roles. Perceiving a woman actively participating in the rooftop culture, issuing calls and training birds alongside men, likely jarred conservative sensibilities. She encountered unsolicited opinions and discouraging remarks. Despite this negative pressure, Parveen continued her pursuit. Her profound affection towards the avian creatures provided the fundamental motivation. This internal drive proved stronger than external disapproval, allowing her to persist where others might have yielded to societal pressure. Her fondness for the pigeons became her shield.

Finding Strength in Skill and Respect

Validation arrived through earned recognition. As Parveen's skills developed, acclaim followed. Receiving praise for her abilities provided a powerful feeling of elevation. Earning genuine regard from knowledgeable members belonging to the pigeon-handling fellowship significantly boosted her confidence. Under these circumstances, the dissenting opinions of critics began to matter less. The positive reinforcement derived from demonstrable competence outweighed the negativity. Parveen adopted a determined stance. People could express whatever views they wished; her focus remained fixed. She declared an unwavering intent to persist in actions that brought her personal serenity and fulfilment. This inner resolve, fortified by growing external respect, allowed her to carve out and maintain her unique space.

Esteem Earned, Blessings Sought

Widespread admiration now exists for Shaheen Parveen throughout the local pigeon-keeping sphere owing to her demonstrable proficiencies. Her reputation extends beyond simple acknowledgment. Folks now consider a visit from such a skilled handler to their own rooftops as particularly fortunate, almost a blessing. Consequently, she receives numerous invitations. Individuals approach her, requesting she bestow good fortune upon their flocks through her presence and expertise. This reflects a significant shift from earlier criticism to deep-seated respect. Parveen mentions these invitations with a discernible smile, acknowledging the esteem they represent. The requests signify her acceptance and high standing within a community that once questioned her participation. Her skill has undeniably overcome traditional barriers.

Prioritising Her Flock

Despite the honour implied by these requests, Parveen typically turns down most invitations to visit other rooftops. She explains her reasoning pragmatically. Her personal flock demands her full attention and considerable time commitment. Adequately nurturing over one hundred birds leaves little spare capacity for external visits. Furthermore, she acknowledges the physical demands involved. Travelling between rooftops and engaging with other flocks requires significant energy. Undertaking these visits regularly would be quite fatiguing, potentially impacting the care she provides her own pigeons. Her decision reflects a necessary prioritisation. She remains dedicated first and foremost to the well-being and training of her own birds, the foundation of her passion and reputation.

Practical Support from Fellow Keepers

The demanding character associated with pigeon husbandry involves considerable expense. Proficient handlers recognise the challenges. Individuals like the respected Mohsin Ustaad make specific efforts to assist Parveen. They allocate time despite their own packed routines. Their support often takes practical forms. They supply essential nourishment, providing sacks of specialised grain mix. They also help source necessary remedies and medicines applicable to the avian creatures. These contributions help cover costs that Parveen occasionally finds difficult to manage independently. This network of mutual support highlights the strong bonds within the serious kabootarbazi fellowship. Experienced keepers recognise genuine passion and skill, offering tangible assistance to fellow enthusiasts facing financial pressures. Their help transcends mere camaraderie.

Admiration and Gratitude

Mohsin Ustaad explicitly stated the motivation behind his support. His appearance on Parveen's terrace stemmed from genuine personal regard for her. He expressed sincere appreciation of her exceptional proficiency as a pigeon handler. His respect is rooted in observing her dedication and the impressive results she achieves with her flock. Parveen acknowledges this vital assistance with characteristic humility. A shy smile accompanies her recognition of the considerable expense involved in maintaining her large flock. The outgoings easily accumulate to large sums in rupees monthly. She expresses sincere gratitude for Mohsin's crucial help, understanding its importance in allowing her to continue pursuing her passion without compromise. This mutual respect underscores the positive relationships forged within the community.

Image Credit - BBC

Victory on the Big Stage

Parveen experienced her most significant public success during a prominent regional contest. Her pigeons secured a decisive victory during this substantial neighbourhood race. The event attracted a large field of competitors. Hundreds of masters, the esteemed ustaads, and dedicated hobbyists participated. They travelled from many parts of Old Delhi and further locations. A considerable number of these competitors had prepared their avian teams meticulously. They invested many months, sometimes even years, specifically conditioning their charges for this prestigious competition. Winning against such experienced handlers and highly prepared pigeons represented a major achievement. It catapulted Parveen's reputation to new heights within the competitive kabootarbazi circuit. This triumph validated her skills on a significant public platform.

The Competition's Rigours

The contest format tested multiple aspects of pigeon capability and handler skill. Officials transported the competing pigeons to a designated distant spot, far from their home lofts. Upon release, the birds faced the challenge of navigating autonomously back to their residence. This tested their innate homing instinct under pressure. Judges evaluated performance based on several key criteria. Swiftness was paramount – the duration taken to return home. Endurance also played a crucial role, as the distances could be substantial. Critically, judges assessed how effectively the avian participants reacted towards their handler's specific calls upon approaching the home rooftop. This responsiveness demonstrated the strength of the bond and the quality of the training.

The Spoils of Success

Victory in such a demanding contest brings substantial rewards. Winners receive tangible accolades, typically including impressive physical trophies. Monetary rewards often accompany the trophies, providing a financial return on the significant investment required for competitive pigeon keeping. Perhaps more importantly, success confers considerable esteem among the kabootarbazi association. A significant race triumph elevates the handler's status considerably. It validates their expertise and cements their reputation among peers. This respect is highly valued, representing recognition from those who truly understand the dedication and skill involved. Parveen's victory brought her all these rewards – the trophy, the prize money, and crucially, enhanced standing inside the community.

A Moment of Overwhelming Joy

Following Parveen's stunning victory, the response from the community was immediate and effusive. Numerous fellow avian handlers approached her, bearing presents to mark the occasion. Some spontaneously offered financial gifts, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere. Parveen vividly recalled the scene. The collective excitement felt comparable to India achieving a major World Cup victory in cricket. People expressed their admiration openly. Some even adorned her with traditional floral wreaths, a significant gesture of honour. She admitted feeling a mixture of emotions during this intense period – simultaneously nervous under the sudden spotlight, yet overwhelmingly joyful at the recognition. Displaying visual recordings and photographs from the celebration clearly brings back the intensity of that triumphant moment.

Enhanced Recognition, Enduring Respect

Parveen's daughter added important verification regarding the impact of the race victory. The win significantly elevated her mother's public profile. People recognised Shaheen Parveen more widely across the Old Delhi area and further afield following the event. This increased visibility directly contributed to an enhancement in the esteem she received from the community. The victory served as undeniable proof of her exceptional skills, silencing any lingering doubts. It solidified her position not just as a participant, but as a respected competitor capable of succeeding at the highest local level. This enhanced standing provided further validation for her dedication and helped secure her place inside the kabootarbazi heritage, transcending the initial challenges she faced due to her gender.

A Magnet for Curious Visitors

The distinct pursuit involving pigeon husbandry within Old Delhi has increasingly captured the interest of travellers visiting the city. It has emerged as a definite cultural draw. Visitors express curiosity about observing this traditional lifestyle firsthand. Many may have encountered stylised portrayals of kabootarbazi in popular Bollywood cinema productions. However, witnessing the authentic practice offers a different, more compelling experience. Tourists seek out the rooftops hoping to see the swirling flocks and meet the dedicated handlers. This external interest adds another dimension to the tradition. It highlights its visual appeal and cultural significance to audiences beyond the immediate community. Observing pigeons wheeling against the architecture associated with Old Delhi offers a memorable spectacle.

Navigating Complex Social Codes

Ratnendu Ray, the heritage walk leader, clarifies that kabootarbazi operates within a rich framework of societal arrangements. This world involves numerous implicit regulations and established behavioral norms understood by practitioners. Pigeon handlers typically function inside specific, often fiercely defended, designated areas. These territories usually align with their immediate neighbourhood or the particular rooftop they utilise. Entering another handler's established domain without invitation is widely considered impolite behaviour, a breach of etiquette. Furthermore, the culture features its own calendar of formal contests and championships. Observing the interplay of these social structures, territorial dynamics, and competitive events greatly pleases travellers seeking authentic cultural immersion. Understanding these nuances adds depth to the experience.

Image Credit - BBC

Immersive Heritage Experiences

Ray's specific cultural tour offers direct engagement with this fascinating sphere. The program titled "Prayer, power and pigeon: A heritage walk and kabootarbaaz," aims to acquaint tourists thoroughly. Participants navigate the labyrinthine, twisting pathways characteristic of the residential sections in Old Delhi. They walk between tightly packed houses, eventually reaching vantage points. From these locations, they observe the avian creatures gliding gracefully through the expansive city firmament above. The tour provides context, explaining the history and significance of the practice. It allows visitors safe and respectful access to witness the kabootarbaaz in action. Such guided experiences help bridge the gap between curious outsiders and the practitioners of this unique tradition, fostering understanding and appreciation.

The Rise of Digital Documentation

In recent years, digital media producers have also discovered the allure surrounding Old Delhi's pigeon culture. Individuals generating online material are increasingly gathering in the area. They arrive eager to record the captivating visual spectacle offered by the birds. They seek to capture images and videos of avian creatures gliding and rotating elegantly against the dramatic sky. As these documentarians ascend onto the rooftops, often guided by local contacts, the experienced handlers immediately become active. The presence of cameras often prompts displays of skill. Keepers demonstrate their connection with their flocks, showcasing the responsiveness they have cultivated through dedicated training. This trend brings kabootarbazi to wider online audiences globally.

Masters Showcasing Their Craft

When observed by visitors or media crews, the veteran pigeon handlers spring into well-practised action. With swift, expert movements honed over countless hours, they grasp the distinctive netting utilised for directing the avian competitors while airborne more firmly. Simultaneously, a symphony of sounds erupts. They produce sharp whistles using specialised techniques. They strike their hands together in rhythmic patterns. They vocalize specific, cadenced calls learned over generations. These actions are not mere showmanship; they are the functional tools of the trade. Each sound and gesture communicates precise instructions to the flock, guiding their movements with remarkable accuracy. Observing these masters at work reveals the depth of skill involved.

An Aerial Ballet Unfolds

The pigeons, even while circling far above the metropolis, react instantly and collectively to their handler's commands. Their response demonstrates an incredible level of training and attunement. They change direction precisely mid-flight. The entire flock might wheel sharply, turning back towards their home base in perfect unison. Their pinions slice audibly through the atmosphere as they execute these manoeuvres. The resulting display resembles a perfectly coordinated aerial movement, an airborne choreography performed against the vast canvas of the sky. This immediate, unified reaction highlights the profound connection forged between the kabootarbaaz and their birds. It is this breathtaking spectacle of control and cooperation that fascinates onlookers and draws photographers.

Capturing Living History

Imran Ahmed represented a typical visitor drawn by this phenomenon. He arrived specifically to capture images for his web-based media channels. Ahmed mentioned having tracked various accounts focused on pigeon handlers via platforms such as YouTube and alternate social media sites for a considerable duration before his visit. Seeing the practice online fuelled his desire to experience it directly. He expressed genuine pleasure at eventually finding himself present among the kabootarbaaz. He relished the opportunity not just to take photographs of the stunning creatures in flight, but also to be photographed alongside the birds and their dedicated keepers. His experience reflects a growing trend where digital documentation helps preserve and share traditional practices with new audiences.

The Evening Summons

When daylight finally begins to fade across Old Delhi, Shaheen Parveen ascends once more towards her rooftop sanctuary. She carefully releases her avian companions for their final flight of the day. She watches intently while the birds ascend higher into the twilight sky. Once they attain a specific, optimal altitude, she initiates the recall. Her unique, high-pitched summons cuts through the evening air. The response is almost instantaneous. Her flock reacts immediately, turning back towards home without hesitation. This unfailing obedience underscores the effectiveness of her patient training methods. It demonstrates the powerful relationship of trust established between handler and bird. This evening ritual provides a quiet, concluding affirmation of her connection to the flock.

Forging an Unbreakable Relationship

Parveen explained her underlying methodology. She consciously conditions every single creature within her flock to identify her distinct vocal sound. Each bird learns to comprehend her specific summons. Crucially, they develop complete confidence in her guidance. This special connection requires significant investment of time and consistent effort; it cannot be forged quickly or superficially. Parveen emphasized this point while carefully adjusting the pigeons' specific nourishment blend for their evening meal. The relationship builds gradually through daily interaction, patient training, and attentive care. This affinity, founded on mutual recognition and deep-seated trust, enables the remarkable coordination seen during flight. This connection forms the core of her practice.

Beyond Titles: Recognised Skill

Despite currently lacking the formal community acknowledgment conveyed through the title of ustaad, Shaheen Parveen's advanced proficiency remains unquestionable. Her admired standing among the kabootarbazi fellowship rests firmly on her demonstrated skills and results. Fellow handlers acknowledge her expertise. She asserted a profound mutual sensitivity regarding emotions that flows between her and the creatures under her care. A distinct smile played on her lips as she stated that inside this unique realm, defined by plumage and atmosphere, a profound mutual understanding exists. The birds know her, and she knows them intimately. This intuitive connection transcends formal titles. It represents the true measure of her mastery and her unique position within Old Delhi's community of pigeon keepers.

An Unshakeable Connection

Parveen concluded powerfully. This unique connection she shares with her birds represents something intensely precious and deeply personal. It is an intrinsic part of her identity as a kabootarbaaz and as an individual. She views this relationship as something fundamental, an achievement earned through dedication and empathy. In her view, no external force, whether societal pressure or changing times, can ever diminish or remove this profound relationship. It exists independently, rooted in mutual trust and understanding between human and bird. This conviction provides her with enduring strength and affirms the deep personal meaning she derives from her life among the pigeons, residing far above the lively avenues of Old Delhi. Her personal domain of plumage and firmament remains inviolable.