Of all Good family folklore, the story of the Chital and the tiger is greatest. It begins with great grandfather being asked to track and kill an injured tiger that, given its condition, had started to attack field workers. After attempting to track the tiger in the area with little success he decided the best chance of subduing it was to kill a Chital and place it in a clearing that the tiger was known to frequent. So for maybe a week that’s what he did. But keeping awake th

Friend of the family, a government official, and a man that never wore shoes - not even at the club in a tuxedo. To say that he was eccentric beyond all measure would be an understatement. His actions were those of a huntsman and a highly skilled negotiator. As a hunter he would remain motionless for hours with salt in his hand to entice elephants. Once they were close enough he would fire his gun immediately dropping them. It was a despicable practice, but a story my father

Great grandfather John was a no nonsense man. He drove trains, he hunted wounded or threatening Bengal tigers, and raised sons who would become some of the best marksmen in India. Of course, he hilariously exasperated my great grandmother’s patience, which leads us to the first great family tale. Dad was always unclear on whether it was a kill required because the tiger was injured or not, nevertheless it didn’t stop my great grandfather from having the bearers bring it back

The stories of my family in India were passed down to me by my father. He would regale us with tales that were unbelievable, and in truth highly mythologized. Nevertheless, they captured my imagination which is why I remember them so clearly. I will endeavour to post those stories going forward. I believe they will be entertaining reads and ofter some insight into my family’s long history in India.