Wild Boars: Protectors & Propagators of Traditions

Footprints of wild boars found near the Food Production Zone of the Hyderabad Collective

It is common to hear a farmer from India fret about the crop damage caused by wild boars. We have faced such incidents at the Hyderabad Collective as well. However, seeing them as mere pests to growing produce understates their value in our natural ecosystems.

Wild boars have been an integral part of the Indian ecosystem and have interacted with human communities for centuries, leading to their inclusion in various folklore and local traditions. Several places in the country have a unique relationship with these familiar wild creatures, some of coordination and some of conflict. These stories not only reflect the dynamics between humans and wildlife but also provide insights into the cultural beliefs and values of different communities across India.

Mythological Significance of Wild Boars

Wild boars are often mentioned in various Hindu texts. They are associated with certain deities and have symbolic representations that hold cultural and religious meanings. 

One of Hindu mythology’s most prominent references to wild boars is the Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha, a wild boar, to rescue the Earth (Prithvi) from the depths of the cosmic ocean. The demon Hiranyakshapa had stolen the Earth and hidden it in the sea, and Varaha successfully defeated the demon and lifted it back to its rightful place. This avatar symbolises the preservation and restoration of the world and the triumph of good over evil. 

In another reference, Yama, the god of death, is often depicted riding a wild boar. His boar is believed to be a fierce and powerful creature that helps him maintain order in the realm of the dead. In some ancient Vedic rituals, wild boars were offered as sacrifices to certain deities. The Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, mentions the practice of boar sacrifice, though it is no longer part of contemporary Hindu worship. 

Wild Boars & Folklore

In various Indian regions, wild boars are part of local folklore and stories. They are known to trick humans or other animals for their own amusement or gain. These stories often highlight the boar’s intelligence and ability to outwit others. Wild boars might be symbolic representations in folklore to convey certain moral lessons or cultural beliefs. For example, they represent bravery, determination, or the untamed aspects of nature. Some local traditions worship deities with boar-like features or boar head associated with protection, fertility, or agricultural prosperity.

Relationship of Indians and Wild Boars Today

The relationship between wild boars and local communities in India, as in many other parts of the world, is complex and multifaceted. Folktales might narrate stories of brave hunters or heroes undertaking daring boar hunts to protect their communities or prove their valour. This practice continues in many parts of the country to date. The boar meat can be consumed or used for various purposes.

Wild boars can be a significant agricultural pest as they sometimes raid crops, gardens, and fields for food. For rural communities heavily dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, such damage can be economically devastating, leading to conflicts with these animals. This destruction caused by wild boars can lead to conflict between humans and animals. Local communities may protect their crops and properties by employing various measures, such as building fences or setting up scare devices. In some cases, people may resort to more aggressive approaches, which can further escalate the conflict.

Balancing human communities and wildlife conservation needs is essential for promoting sustainable coexistence. It requires careful planning, community engagement, and a comprehensive understanding of the ecological and cultural contexts in which these interactions occur—understanding that every animal, bird and insect is vital to hold the natural ecosystem together. 

To live harmoniously with all the beings of nature, we have been adapting coexistence strategies at our Collectives, such as building biofences around the estate, which can provide food for the wild creatures and keep them at bay at the same time, practising biological pest control methods which make use of the natural food cycle and more. These practices take a while to show results, but once the natural order of things is in place, the environment becomes a self-sufficient ecosystem that acts as a common ground for humans and all those we share our land with.