Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c9.t4.6

c9.t4.6

Breeding and rearing of cattle was an essential concern of the people. The *Ābhīras* (mod. *Ahīr*), who tended the cows, are mentioned. We are told of an *Ābhīra* woman of Mathurā, who used to supply milk and curds to a perfumer. Once upon a time at the wedding of her son she invited the perfumer and his wife. The perfumer could not attend the ceremony in person but he sent various clothes and ornaments for the bride and the bridegroom as a gift. The *Ābhīras* were much pleased at this and in return they presented two strong-bodied bull-calves to the perfumer⁷⁹