Sparrow Paradise: A UP Family Haveli Has Nurtured The Most Loved Bird Specie For 300 Years
Sparrows, the small brown-coloured birds, are among India's most commonly seen bird species and the most loved.?
Not bigger than a tennis ball with black streaks on its back, these birds symbolise joy, community, teamwork, protection, simplicity, hard work and self-worth.?
Once seen in plenty across cities, towns and villages among human settlers, the population of these birds has declined, and their sighting in urban cities is now rare.
Family tradition of Shaikhs in Seohara??
In contrast, the Shaikhs of Bijnor's Seohara have sheltered and protected the sparrows in their sprawling haveli, which they have held on to for over 300 years.
This year-long tradition has been alive because of a special oath¡ª that the mansion's structure never be modified and that the sparrows that have lived there for centuries not be displaced.?
The successors of the palace have accepted this clause for generations, and twenty-three years ago, Akbar Shaikh, the patriarch of the family, endowed his ancestral haveli to his eldest son Shaikh Jamal. He also happily agreed to the said conditions.?
And the 52-year-old Jamal has continued to honour his father's wish and how. Based on data from the UP forest department, the manor, popularly known as "Gauraiya walon ki haveli", is estimated to be home to over 2,000 sparrows. At a time when the population of sparrows has drastically diminished in the urban landscape owing to habitat loss and reducing ecological resources for sustenance, the preservation of species by this family is remarkable.
Event on?World Sparrow Day
This year's World Sparrow Day, observed on Monday, saw the estate become lively as an event held by the forest department in collaboration with Jamal's family. On this occasion, 50 bags of grain and earthen pots were distributed to local residents with an appeal that they would look after the sparrows.?
"My father, Akbar Shaikh, had six sons. Three of them died early. I was then given the task to look after the haveli ¡ª and the birds that had made it their home. I have been ill lately. But my 22-year-old son Sheikh Faraz will take up the responsibility of looking after the sparrows," Jamal told the Times Of India on Monday.?
"This has always been the tradition in our family. Elders while handing over the property to their scions ensure with an oath that the younger generation takes care of the sparrows in the haveli. Our love and affection towards these birds have been passed on through the ages. They are like our children," he added.
The sparrows can be spotted everywhere at the estate. Baskets with grains are laid out for them. Locals do their bit, and they donate what they can.
A secret unveiled
"I've studied hotel management and am looking for a job now. But I have to say that I find so much peace amid my tiny friends. Serving them is not just a hobby, but our family tradition and duty," Faraz said.?
Faraz got candid in the conversation and shared how these birds played an important part in his romantic pursuit.
"The sparrows have helped me find my love. Before marrying Wania (Siddiqui), I used to send her videos of these birds. She was greatly impressed," Faraz said.
?Wania confessed, "These birds actually brought me to this house. If I don't hear the chirping, I feel uneasy..."
Appreciation from forest officer
Impressed with the family's efforts, sub-divisional forest officer Gyan Singh praised them.
He said, "They have set an example for all of us. Conserving sparrows for generations is not easy. And they have done it with so much love. Our department appreciates what they have achieved."?
Amid the positivity, Jamal also shared his concern about the decline in the?sparrow?population.
He said, "The sudden decline in the sparrow population has been attributed to the felling of trees and excessive use of pesticides. Authorities should make it mandatory for residents to plant saplings when they build a house. Most of the houses in urban and semi-urban areas don't have trees or even small plants these days. Where will the birds go?"
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