As the morning sunlight managed to pierce through the dense canopy of the lush forest, it woke up a young Lion Tailed Macaque.  For the past few days, he has been undergoing a transformation within.  What?  He didn’t exactly know.

He had grown up among the fringes of his troop, carrying out orders of his leader and taking care of his tribe.  But he had grown up strong.  Quite strong, in fact, some would say he was looking bigger and stronger than his leader itself.   And for the past few days, this message was seeping through his mind and body in different ways.  Maybe his body chemistry changed, but all it told him – was to challenge the leader to take over the tribe! The leader had also been watching the young male’s transformation these few days – he has been taking care of him since he was born.  He had noticed the urges and deep desire that had been invoked within the young one – he also had gone through the same when he was young and took over for his leader.  It’s a cycle that is now repeating, which he had anticipated.

And on that fine day – the fight began.   Both battled fiercely.  The broken branches, the fallen leaves, the scarred faces, the rising dust and noise levels – were all indicative of how serious and strong the two were.  In the end, the young one’s strength proved conclusive as he landed a telling blow on the old leader, asserting his rise to power.  The forest canopy had a new leader.

As the adrenaline and heart rate winded down, he began to ponder.  Why did he want to be a leader?  It wasn’t to test his strength, nor was it for revenge.  It wasn’t to show off to his troop nor a goal to become the leader to enjoy the benefits.  He didn’t hate his leader, in fact, he admired him.  Then why? Was it pure instinct? He couldn’t tell.   Something within moved him to challenge and become the leader – and that was the only thing that occupied his mind and body.  It had almost become a feverish desperation.  It didn’t matter whether he won or lost – he had to fight.  

As he walked on the canopy, surveying his domain for the first time, he knew, within a few years, such a desire will arise in others and many such fights await him.  For now, this is his domain, his Kishkindha Kaandam.

Photos from Valparai, Tamil Nadu