Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c5.s2.t10.1

v1.c5.s2.t10.1

Fengniu is a kind of mammalian bovid with sarcoma on its shoulders and back which is native to India. Its alternate names include Fengniu (here, Feng refers to different characters in Chinese) and Zebu and it was famous for the physical characteristic that “there is eminentia (protuberance) of flesh in their neck.” According to the archaeological evidence, the domestication of Zebu began in the region of southern Asia 8,500 years ago. In the unearthed cultural relics from the Indus Valley Civilisation period, there are to be found seals depicting the Zebu. In ancient Indian myths, the most famous bull of this kind is Nandi, the mount of Siva. Owing to this, this kind of bull has been worshipped by Hindus in India.