A History of Agriculture in India v2.c65.s21.3

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.