History and Importance of Equines in Indian Agrarian Sector

History and Importance of Equines in Indian Agrarian Sector

Equines, which include horses, donkeys, and mules, have been integral to agriculture in India for centuries. The history of equines in the Indian agrarian sector is rich and enduring, dating back to ancient times. These animals have played a crucial role in various aspects of agriculture, transportation, and rural livelihoods. In this essay, we will explore the historical significance of equines in Indian agriculture, their contributions to rural life, and their continued importance in the modern agrarian landscape.

 Abstract

Equines have belonged to Equidae family that includes asses, horses and zebras. In the Indian agricultural sector Equidae family has not been given much importance that results intodecreases in population. In India,since antiquitythe historical references about horses are available, which indicating their presence in Indian subcontinent. The seven equines breed are distributed in India. The use of equines in war and the racing industry is well proven. Considering the important utilities of equines,there is great scope for the growth of the equine industry.

Key Words: Equidae, Equines, literature, racing, utility.

INTRODUCTION

Equines belong to Equidae family that includes asses, horses and zebras. The total population of Equidae in the country is 0.55 Million (DAHD, 2019). As compared to previous (2012) livestock census, the population of horses, donkeys and ponies has decreased by 51.9%.Majority of horsesand Poniesare concentrated in Uttar Pradesh (0.76) (Million), mules in Uttarakhand (0.26) and, donkeys in Rajasthan (0.23).In Indian agricultural perspective,equine are given less importance and isnot much organizedexcept in the racing industry.

 Equines History- World

The evolution of the horse began around 65 million years ago nearsteppe lands north of the Black Sea from Ukraine to Kazakhstan. Domestic horsesE. caballus (2n = 64), weredomesticated in many places across Europe and Asia around 6000 years ago (Olsen, 1988 andGoodwin, 2007).

 Equines History- India

Traditionally, in India horses are used for transportation, war, riding chariot and race. Ancient Indian literature recorded that Usha and Agni ride on horse chariot.There is mention of “Ucchasrava“a seven-headed flying horse (Aswa/Asva)recovered in Samudramanthan belonging to god Indra. The legendary historical war of Ramayana and Mahabharata mentioned the use of horses in transportation and war. The Ashwamedha Yagna is a ritual where kings let theirhorses travelthe territories of enemies and it was considered that those enemies who allow the horse to passthrough their territories are ready to accept the kingship of this king. “Shalihotra“the first known veterinarian of the world was an expert in horse husbandry. Salihotra’s Asvayurveda Siddhanta considered as the complete Ayurvedic system for horses whilehis other two books written on horses includes Asva-lakanasastra and Asva-prasamsa. Moreover, Nakula of Mahabharta wrote Ashvacikitsita, another horse specialist of India (Somvanshi, 2006). The Kautilya’s Arthashastra incorporated the administration of royal stables and the care of horses. Source ofthe Kautilya Arthasastra, Punjab, Sind, and Saurashtra regions were those who sustained stable horse populations and breeding. Archaeologically, there are reports of the evacuation of horse’sremnants from Harappan and Mohenjodaro civilization with clay models of horses. Paintings of Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh also have drawings of horses. Horses were named or recognized as per their origin or the mode of transportation they undertook. Horses driven overland from their native habitats in Central Asia or the eastern Himalayas were referred to in medieval Arabic and Persian sources as barri or “horses from the land,” while those shipped by sea were bahri (Arabic) or daryai(Persian)(Anjum, 2012 and Lambourn, 2015).

Indian Equines Breeds

As of now, as per the ICAR- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) there are seven breeds of horses found in India, viz., Marwari, Kathiawari, Manipuri, Zanskari, Bhutia, Spiti andKachchhi-Sindhi. Except for Marwari and Kathiawari, remaining breeds are called ponies due to their small size that does not let them fit into the definition of a horse.

Uses of Equines

Equines play an important role in the agriculture sector in hill and terrains. Equine breeding for the sport and race purpose is highly successful enterprise(Kelekna, 2009 and Liljenstolpe, 2009).

Racing and Sport: The major chunk of income for equine owners is from the equine racing industry. The horses are used in sport mainly polo, chariot racing and other local games.

Transportation: In the growing trend of urbanization,use of the horse for transportation purpose is diminished, but nowadays it is gaining importance because, it is being considered as a sign of prestige mainly attracting rich peoples from metro cities.

Pack animal in hilly area: In the hilly area, the horses and ponies are used as pack animals. Once animals are trained and get acquainted with the route then they will follow the track and deliver the goods to respective locations.Mules,cross of male donkey and mare are specially used for this purpose as they inherit the endurance, stamina and brain from both that makes mules multipurpose animals.

Tourism: In the tourism industry, horses playsvery important role as they are used for chariot driving as well as carrying tourist from remote locations,that attracts the tourist. Agriculture fieldwork: Especially, in hilly terrain ponies are used for field works. They are also used as draft animals for ploughing.

Defence: Horses and ponies areproved to be very useful on the battlefield during ancient days. Nowadays, they are indirectly playing an important role in warfare viz. transporting food and artilleries to the military in desert and mountain areas. For instance, they have proven their importance in Kargil war.Mounted police are using the horses for security and watch purpose. Recently, Mumbai police has decided to introduce mounted police cops. Equines appendages: Equine industry byproducts are also useful due to their high market value. This includes hairs,used for preparing paintbrushes,crafts, making jewellery items i.e. bracelets, necklaces, earrings and barrettes. Horsehide/leather is use for the preparation of shoes, bags and clothing which have high demand and market value. Medical field: in the medical field, they are used for harvesting sera for treatment of snake bites.

Historical Significance

1. Ancient Roots: The use of equines in Indian agriculture has deep roots in history. Horses and mules were employed in agricultural tasks as early as the Vedic period, more than 3,000 years ago.
2. Traditional Farming Practices: Equines were used in traditional farming practices such as plowing, tilling, and transportation of crops. The chariot, drawn by horses, was an iconic symbol in ancient Indian epics like the Mahabharata.
3. Medieval and Colonial Era: The use of equines continued through the medieval and colonial periods. British colonizers introduced modern horse-drawn farming equipment, further solidifying the role of horses in Indian agriculture.

Contributions to Indian Agriculture

1. Tillage and Plowing: Horses, donkeys, and mules were employed for plowing fields, preparing the soil for sowing, and maintaining furrows. Their strength and agility made them valuable partners in these labor-intensive tasks.
2. Transportation: Equines played a significant role in the transportation of agricultural produce, farm supplies, and even people in rural areas. They served as an essential mode of conveyance, especially in regions with challenging terrains.
3. Irrigation: Equines were harnessed to drive water pumps, facilitating irrigation in fields, thereby increasing agricultural productivity.
4. Harvesting: Equines were also used in harvesting crops like sugarcane, where their strength was indispensable for pulling heavy loads.

III. Rural Livelihoods

1. Livestock and Income Source: Equines have been a source of livelihood for many rural families. They are not only integral to agriculture but also serve as an additional source of income through activities like cart pulling, transportation services, and equine-related businesses.
2. Socio-Cultural Significance: Equines have a strong socio-cultural significance in many rural communities. They are often part of local festivities, processions, and religious ceremonies, contributing to the cultural fabric of rural life.
3. Modern Relevance
4. Agricultural Mechanization: While mechanization has reduced the dependence on equines in some aspects of agriculture, they are still relevant in regions where modern machinery is less accessible or affordable.
5. Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture: Equines contribute to the conservation of indigenous and hardy breeds, promoting biodiversity in the agricultural sector. They play a crucial role in sustainable and organic farming practices.
6. Diverse Usage: In contemporary times, equines are used for a range of agricultural tasks, from plowing and tilling to transportation, reflecting their versatility.
7. Ecological Balance: Equines offer a more eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel-based machinery, helping reduce carbon emissions and soil compaction in agricultural fields.

Challenges and Conservation

1. Livestock Health: Ensuring the health and well-being of equines is essential to maintaining their productivity and preventing exploitation. Proper veterinary care and nutrition are vital.
2. Urbanization and Land Use Changes: As urbanization encroaches on rural areas, land for traditional farming practices using equines is shrinking, impacting their availability and usage.
3. Awareness and Support: Raising awareness about the importance of equines in agriculture and garnering support for their conservation is crucial for their continued relevance.

Conclusion

Equines have a longstanding history in Indian agriculture, playing a vital role in traditional farming practices and rural livelihoods. Their contributions to soil preparation, transportation, and various aspects of rural life have been immense. While the mechanization of agriculture has reduced their role in some regions, equines continue to be a crucial part of the agrarian sector, especially in areas with challenging terrains or limited access to modern machinery. Their ecological benefits and role in sustainable agriculture make them an asset in the changing agricultural landscape. Preserving and supporting equines in Indian agriculture is not only essential for rural livelihoods but also for maintaining the rich and diverse traditions of farming in the country. Since the ancient days equines have been proventheir usefulness to human in day to day life. They arealso very good companion animals. In the field of livestock sector, there is great demand of proven breeds of equines for sport and racing purpose. The entrepreneur wants to start a business in equine industry havegoodopportunities in breeding,equine feed, veterinary and health care services, equipment and training for sport.

Compiled  & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the

Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 Image-Courtesy-Google

 Reference-On Request.

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