Nepal Hunting trips of Amrita Shergil family

[Sakobav]

This is blog by stepdaughter/niece of famous Indian painter Amrita Shergill's hungarian husband Dr Victor Egan who practiced in Saraya near Gorakhpur from 1940s onwards. Shergill belonged to famous Majithia family of Punjab whose members were generals in Ranjit Singhs army, then were awarded Saraya jagir for their assistance in 1857 revolt . They also own the Sugar mill at this place. Dayal Singh Majithia was responsible for setting up The Tribune newspaper, Library, Jimmy Shergill Bollywood actor also belongs to the same family and even the current leader from Punjab.

The story below and pictures are about hunting trips or events or 'hakka" beat hunts coordinated by Ranas of Nepal and one picture is of Rhino being hunted. Per the author movies and snaps she has seen the shooting was like carnage...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amrita_Sher-Gil


http://solitaryw.blogspot.com/search/label/Victor
"Kirpal Singh Majithia's younger brother Surjit Singh Majithia, was the first ever ambassador to the neighbouring kingdom of Nepal from 1947 - 1949. Nepal, at that time, was ruled by the powerful Rana dynasty, who held sway till 1953. Surjit Singh was also deputy defence minister in Jawaharlal Nehru's 1952 ministry and cut a very dashing figure in the corridors of power.
In those days big game hunting was a sport encouraged by the British and indulged in by maharajahs and wealthy landowners.Tiger, leopard and rhino heads were much sought after trophies, glassy eyed deer and wild buffalo adorned bungalow walls and coffee table legs made of elephant feet were very fashionable to have on display in ones drawing room.
Kirpal himself was an avid and renowned marksman and every winter there would be meticulously planned "shikaar" trips organised by the Ranas, in the Terai foothills of Nepal. The family owned elephants would be sent up a couple of months in advance to set up camp and get ready for the arrival of the esteemed members of the hunting party. Victor and Amrita were always included in the exclusive guest list and even after she died, he continued to enjoy this annual expedition.
They would arrive at the camp to find tents neatly pitched, hot water for baths ready and bearers at hand to meet all demands. Meals were always formal affairs and after a hard days sport, men would change into dinner jackets and ladies into their evening gowns and there in the middle of the jungle amidst the buzzing of mosquitoes, a toast would be raised by candlelight to the victors of the day."

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