GAME AND GOVERNANCE: MARKHOR HUNTING IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR DURING DOGRA RULE (1846-1947)

Abstract

The Markhor (Capra falconeri), a majestic wild goat native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, became a highly sought-after trophy for British colonial hunters in Jammu and Kashmir during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Revered for its distinctive spiral horns and impressive stature, the Markhor was not only a symbol of the wilderness but also of prestige and power among British sportsmen. This paper explores the historical significance of Markhor hunting, examining how overhunting, combined with colonial obsession for trophies, brought the species to the brink of extinction. It also discusses early conservation efforts, such as the establishment of the Kashmir Game Preservation Department and the introduction of game laws aimed at preserving the species. Despite these measures, the species faced critical declines due to continued poaching and habitat loss. This paper aims to synthesise the historical accounts, ecological habits, physical characteristics, and conservation challenges of the Markhor, drawing from sportsman records and naturalist observations.