I was not aware that some Indian cows have gone extinct! There used to be over 100 types of Indian cow, but now are only 30-35.
The Brits came in and were like, “your cows are weak, ours are strong, so here take some!”. The Indian people liked the strong cows better and therefore Indian cow breeds starting dying out. Here in this small town in Karnataka they’re trying to help save some breeds.
Goupushti Mahayajna | Protecting the Indian Indigenous Cow
In India, cows are the “Mother of the Universe” aka Mother India because they give life via milk. They have cows from all over with labels above showing which type they are. They breed them to bring back breeds that are dying out. They have gotten 8.2 Crore signatures for the banning of all cow slaughter in India.
Just recently, beef was banned in Mumbai for “animal cruelty” reasons, but many believe it has more to do with religious, as other animals are still killed.
One big reason they want to keep their Indian cows around is because they believe the urine of the cows offers medicinal value (they even use it to make organic cosmetics).
“From the ancient times the panchagavya (milk, curd, ghee, urine, dung) was used in Ayurvedic treatments. These medicinal properties are seen only in cow products of Indian breed cows. Cows are useful to human beings in the field of agriculture, energy production, food & nutrition also. Indian economy is dependent on Indian breed cows. Indian breed cows are on the verge of extinction…”
So they are saving the cows and also selling the products from the cows. Not unusual, I know of people in Goa who drink a little cow urine for health reason (I guess…). To me, it’s a little to “Eastern medicine”. They have two cows from the Krishnaveni breed and they are the only place in the world to have this breed.
Reading through the pamphlet, some things these products are indicated for are:
Diabetes, hypertension, infection, heart problem, and mental disorders seems to be the hardcore ones, while there are lighter usages like hair toner, skin problems, and colds. Some items are used for scrubbing baths and cleaning floors. If you want to buy this and try at home, I think you’re an interesting/brave/crazy person and would love to hear if it works for you… the website is below.
If you want more cute cow photos, I’ve got em! If you want to read more, how about that time I was headbutted by a cow in Varanasi?
Practical Information:
- You can visit the website for more information and directions. The town is called Ramachandrapura
- Fee: there is no fee but you can donate, or pay 10 rs to feed the cows. I was here with my goMowgli tour as a back-up for another trip that was canceled due to traffic/riots as mentioned in a previous post.
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Hi Rachel,
Way cool!
I saw cows all over the road when we visited Pondicherry 2 years ago.
To know the difference between Indian and other cows, and to spread awareness, we can help keep Indian Culture intact a little bit.
Happy to tweet this ;)
Ryan
Thanks Ryan. I was completely shocked by most of what I learned and it was funny because this place was stumbled upon completely not part of the plan!!
Ha ha who even knew such a place existed! Glad there is some work going on to protect and grow the various breeds, but what were the conditions like in which the cows were kept in this place?
I’m not expert, but they seemed okay. Actually the little ones were running around and bumping into us playfully haha
This is so interesting Rachel! I certainly didn’t know about the British cow invasion, the things you learn eh!
I would think the beef/Mumbai thing is a religious thing but I’m still quite surprised by it, and, as a veggie, it pleases me ;)
It’s sad that many of these old breeds have been lost, I’m sure it’s the case here in UK too (I’m no farmer, I have no actual idea on these things), I don’t think the black and white friesians are a native species!
haha british cow invasion :p
now I remember..my grandmother used to say she ahs just acquired a jersey cow..meaning a foreign high milk yielding hybrid cow perhaps..
ah, that’s interesting!
What a shame that the local breeds have been dying out but glad that they’re trying to nip it in the bud as Indian cows are so distinct!
I knew cows were pretty sacred. Didn’t realize at one point of time there were so many different types.
Yes, it was very surprising information
Hmmm… cow urine? I think I’ll pass on that one! I’m glad to hear that India is working towards bringing back their native cows. You always seem to hear that developing countries don’t focus on preserving its wildlife and historical places, but I know there are people that do. Go India! Love the cow pictures! While I’m not a huge fan of them, they can be cute.
That’s insane. I would also like to hear from any brave souls who try this out!
I know some foreigners in Goa who are into this actually! crazzzzE
I didn’t realize there were so many different types of cows. Interesting article
thanks rebecca
In addition to medicinal properties, the urine of the cow is used to “purify your body” or something to that effect from all the evil you would have allegedly committed. For example, I am a Brahmin, but I eat meat which I am not supposed to do. So if my grandmother gets to know, she will make me drink cow urine to “purify” me. :)
Lucky you, that you are not a Brahmin :P
Yes I guess so :D
wow that’s so interesting! thanks for sharing that with us!
Yes, indigenous cow breeds are dying out. The ones surviving are out of alms from religiously bent old folks.
The older ones, non yielding ones are left on the streets to fend themselves, similar to the old parents, really.
But, yes, there are still people who are making serious efforts to protect these beautifully innocent animals.
And you are right, the krishnaveni variety is the best in the south and is sincerely treated like a mother