The tiger, somewhat larger than an Indian lion, uses the extended claws of its powerful forepaws in self-defense, causing great damage to a victim. Claws are considered to be a highly potent amulet and are believed to impart to the wearer the prodigious qualities of the animal. After its death, by common Indian custom, a killed tiger's claws are immediately removed to insure against its possible vengeful return in the form of the widely dreaded tiger demon (bagh-bhut), who if still in possession of its claws, will seek out and attack its killer.
Tigers are found throughout India in large grassland tracts or jungles. Past uncontrolled hunting has resulted in a decrease in their numbers. To prevent their extinction, the government has designated reserve areas where they are protected. Tigers in the wild are most commonly seen by aboriginal and rural people who live in remote areas near jungles. Among such peoples, tigers and representations of them are objects of veneration. They commonly wear an amulet depicting the goddess Durga, whose vehicle is a tiger, in which form she is called Bagheswara Mata, the "tiger riding Mother," to indicate her invincibility. Nevertheless, rural people also hunt tigers and bring their claws to sell to jewelers in most large city bazaars.
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