A History of Agriculture in India v2.c65.s21: Hallikar Cattle
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c65.s21
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Hallikar Cattle
v2.c65.s21.1
Here a mention may be made of Hallikar breed of cattle, which is characteristic of South India. Hallikar cows are poor milkers, but the bullocks are excellent draft animals. Joshi and Phillips state, 'The Hallikar is one of the best all-round draft types that is available in southern India. It is strong, spirited and quick. Thirty to forty miles (48 to 64 km) a day on rough road is a common day's work. In the field it is a fast and yet a steady worker, being useful for all types of cultivation. Males are castrated when they are 3 to 4 years old and then gradually broken to yoke. Prior to this period, living in a semi-wild state, they are extremely unruly and vicious. It requires several months of kind treatment and patient training to develop them into fine bullocks (Fig. 13). Hallikar bullocks attracted great attention during the nineteenth century on account of their power of endurance and the speed with which they could move army equipment. It is claimed that they could manoeuvre a march of 100 miles (161 km) in two and a half days.
v2.c65.s21.3
Kristnasamiengar and Pease, from a study of historical records, state that between A.D. 1572 and 1600 a state herd establishment consisted of Hallikar cows was imported in Mysore from the State of Vijayanagar. This very herd was later transferred to the rulers of Mysore State and was eventually known as Amrit Mahal. Kristnasamiengar and Pease further mention that cattle of Amrit Mahal establishment originally comprised three distinct varieties: Hallikar, Hagalvadi and Chitaldroog. Prior to A.D. 1860, it seems that these three varieties were maintained separate from each other. In A.D. 1860, the whole establishment was liquidated for reasons of economy. In A.D. 1866, it was realized that an establishment for the supply of cattle was a necessity, and a herd was re-established. Thus, the foundation cattle from which the Amrit Mahal breed was developed were of the Hallikar and closely related types.
v2.c65.s21.4
Amrit Mahal literally means the department of milk. Originally the rulers of Mysore State had started an establishment of cattle collected from the prevalent types of cattle within the area for the supply of milk and milk products to the palace; simultaneously the bullocks from this establishment were utilized for the movement of army equipage.⁸
v2.c65.s21.5
⁸ Joshi, N. R. and Phillips, R. W. Zebu Cattle of India and Pakistan, p. 209