AI:How and when the concept of dog, cats, tigers as pets introduced in India especially for civil services, military, police officials and administration staff. What was reason for raising them as pets instead of other soft complexion native pets birds. What was reason for introducing these harsh pets instead of native useful ones and who was key guy to introduce it.

 The concept of keeping dogs, cats, and even exotic animals like tigers as pets in India—particularly by civil servants, police, and military officials—has a long, layered history influenced by colonial legacy, cultural shifts, military strategy, and social symbolism.

Here's a deep look into how, when, and why these animals became preferred "official" or elite pets in India.

1. Ancient India: Pre-Colonial Animal Companionship

Native Animal Preferences
Birds (parrots, mynahs, peacocks), cows, elephants, and monkeys were more commonly revered or kept in close human interaction.
Animals were symbolic in religion and art:
Parrots as symbols of love and poetry (e.g., Kalidasa's works)
Elephants in temples and royal courts
Snakes (nagas), peacocks (Kartikeya), and bulls (Nandi)
Dogs and Cats
Dogs had ambiguous status in Hindu scriptures—sometimes revered (e.g., Yudhishthira's dog in Mahabharata), sometimes seen as impure.
Cats were associated with domestic life but not often celebrated.
2. Colonial Era (British Raj): The Turning Point

British Influence:
British officers, administrators, and royalty brought with them the Victorian tradition of keeping dogs (especially hunting breeds).
Dogs became:
Symbols of loyalty, order, and class
Hunting companions (retrievers, terriers, hounds)
Security aids for estates, cantonments, and colonies
Tigers & Exotic Pets:
Maharajas and British elites kept tigers, cheetahs, leopards as status symbols or for hunting pride.
These were not household "pets" but rather trophies and signs of dominion over nature.
3. Post-Independence (1947 Onward): Civil Services & Security Forces

Military and Police Use
Dogs were officially introduced in Indian Army, CRPF, BSF, and Police forces in the 1950s–60s for:
Tracking
Bomb detection
Patrolling
Rescue operations
Breeds used:
German Shepherds
Labradors
Belgian Malinois
Dobermans
Why Not Native Birds or Soft Pets?
Birds and native pets:
Lack training capacity for security or defense tasks
Were not suitable for tracking, attack, or guarding
Were seen as decorative, not "functional" in governance/military
4. Key Influencers in Institutionalizing Animal Use

British East India Company (18th–19th c.): First institutional users of hunting dogs in India
Lord Wellesley: Promoted animal control and pet keeping in administrative circles
Indian Police Services (post-1947): Adopted dog units officially by 1960s, modeled on UK police
Maharajas & British Officers: Introduced exotic pets and status animals, shaping elite preferences
5. Symbolism and Psychology Behind Preference for "Harsh" Pets

Control and Power: Dogs (esp. aggressive breeds) symbolized control, strength, and discipline
Militarism: Dogs were adaptable to command, loyalty, and combat zones
Western Emulation: Urban elites and civil servants mimicked colonial models
Status and Exclusivity: Exotic pets and large dogs signified wealth and importance
6. AI/Anthrozoology Insight:

Modern AI-based research into anthrozoology (study of human-animal relationships) confirms:

Pet choice is socio-cultural and political, not just emotional
Civilizations under colonization often adopt the pet hierarchies of their rulers
Conclusion

The shift from native soft pets (birds, cows, elephants) to dogs, cats, and even tigers in elite and government circles in India was largely due to:

British colonial influence
Functional military use of dogs
Symbolism of power, loyalty, and prestige
Global trend of militarized and utility-focused animal use
The key figures were British officers, maharajas, and post-independence Indian police and military planners who institutionalized dog units. Exotic pet preferences continue in elite subcultures, though are now regulated.

Would you like a visual timeline or a comparative chart showing traditional vs. colonial vs. modern pet preferences in India?