A History of Agriculture in India v2.c79.s7: Goats
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c79.s7
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Goats
v2.c79.s7.1
Goats were kept all over the country. Large herds were owned by nomadic shepherds who lived in the arid areas, and considerable number were maintained by individual families of landless people, who depended upon them for their milk supply. Kidding twice in fourteen months, goats had high fertility that ensured their popularity among rural people. Goats provided meat and skins. Goats' meat was popular with the Hindus who had aversion for beef.
v2.c79.s7.2
Though the majority of goats were non-descript, there were some outstanding breeds reared in certain areas. We get an idea of the breeds prevalent in Mughal India from a painting which shows a Markhor and five different breeds of goats (Fig. 44). There were white-haired Himalayan goats kept by nomads. There were small short-haired Barbari goats with erect horns. White small-legged Surti goats were popular in Gujarat. The Bantam Bengal goats adapted to meagre feeding were found in the eastern region.