Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.174

v1.c3.174

**Aja, Ajā.**—This is the ordinary name for goat in the Rigveda¹ and the later literature. The goat is also called Basta, Chāga, Chagala. Goats and sheep (*ajāvayaḥ*) are very frequently mentioned together.² The female goat is spoken of as producing two or three kids,³ and goat's milk is well known.⁴ The goat as representative of Pūṣan plays an important part in the ritual of burial.⁵ The occupation of a goatherd (*ajapāla*) was a recognized one, being distinguished from that of a cowherd and of a shepherd.⁶