Croc tears !! ~ beautiful, fragrant Crocodiles !!

May not be the best of attractions – pictured are two of the same specie – a Mugger and a Ghariyal .. heard of its tears ! – and when would we say they are beautiful, fragrant !?!?

 

May not be best attraction ~ Crocodiles are large reptiles found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. They are members of the order Crocodilia, which also includes caimans, gharials and alligators.  There are 13 species of crocodiles, so there are many different sizes of crocodile. The smallest crocodile is the dwarf crocodile. The largest crocodile is the saltwater crocodile. The largest one ever found was 20.24 feet (6.17 m) long. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (907 kg). Crocodiles, are   generally large, ponderous, amphibious animals of lizard-like appearance and carnivorous habit.  Crocodiles have powerful jaws with many conical teeth and short legs with clawed webbed toes. They share a unique body form that allows the eyes, ears, and nostrils to be above the water surface while most of the animal is hidden below. The tail is long and massive, and the skin is thick and plated.  

          Mugger crocodiles, also known as Indian crocodiles, are generally larger than gharials. Mugger crocodiles can grow to be up to 20 feet in length and weigh up to 1000 pounds, while gharials typically reach lengths of only about 15 feet and weigh around 500 pounds.  Gharials, sometimes called gavials, are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts.  The first thing most people notice about gharials is their long, narrow snout. A gharial will sweep its slender snout sideways to catch fish with its sharp teeth.  

We have all read this parable in our school days…. The story of ‘a crocodile and a monkey’ …………….. 0n the banks of river Ganga, there lived a clever monkey…….there also lived couple of croc families….. the male crocodile which used to remain idle on the sandy banks befriended the monkey… and they discussed various things on earth. There were so many fruit-laden trees – monkeys were happy eating juicy fruits of various trees and living merrily.  

The wife of the croc felt that the monkey which is feeding on good fruits should taste sweet and started pestering the male to bring home its friend monkey – so that they could feast on the monkey. The male croc was averse to the idea of cheating its friend but (as happens everywhere else) had to budge to the wishes of its spouse.  

They hatched a plan… crocodile explained to the monkey of the various juicy fruit bearing trees on the other bank and how they could taste most sweet…. Monkey in its native wisdom remarked that the river was far too vast for monkeys to cross. Croc offered to take it on its back to the other side of the river.  Monkey also agreed. Midway, Croc tried to immerse and told the monkey of the subversive plan…..  sensing its end – monkey pondered and told the croc that its heart which is the sweetest part is not with it and is on the trees and promised to be back with its heart  …………… the foolish croc took it back to the shore ~ monkey hopped out, climbed the trees – not to return for ever……….. greedy and foolish crocodile !

 

The expression "crocodile tears" refers to insincere sorrow or remorse. Crocodile tears, or superficial sympathy, is a false, insincere display of emotion such as a hypocrite crying fake tears of grief. The phrase “crocodile tears” stems from the belief that crocodiles shed tears when attacking and eating their victims. Folklore has it that crocs cry to lure their prey, or to express remorse for their violent actions.  When crocs spend time out of the water, their eyes must produce extra moisture to stay lubricated. When crocodiles eat prey out of the water, their eyes may “cry.” But it is highly unlikely the tears are an expression of remorse.

                                                             Good Morning.   – welcome to my Photo story – today of Crocodile, the moral of unholy alliance and wrong perception of attacker being good to victim !! pictured here is a beautiful piece of art – made in sandalwood depicting two crocodiles underlying tree filled with birds – attractive and fragrant (from the art gallery of MA Narasimhan) dating back to a century or more

 
With regards – S Sampathkumar
24.8.2024