Domestic Animals in British Garhwal

British Administration in Garhwal   -171

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History of British Rule/Administration over Kumaun and Garhwal (1815-1947) -191

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            History of Uttarakhand (Garhwal, Kumaon and Haridwar) -1023

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                              By: Bhishma Kukreti (History Student)

   Every life depended on agriculture in Garhwal. Therefore, there was importance for domestic animals as cow, bulls, buffalos, goats and lambs. In north Garhwal where agriculture was less there used to be trading of domestic animals for livelihood. Garhwalis still call the domestic animals as ‘Dhan (assets) or Jiwan (life).   Goats and lambs were also useful for gifting to state authorities and deities.

  Animals manure was only source for fertilizers. Lambs were useful for wools.

     Domestic animals were /are of short length and height as compared to plains. Horses and mules were common animals for transportation and goods carriage. Bhotiya in North Garhwal,  nurtured Chanvar Gay.

     Garhwalis did not have chickens, pigs and turkeys. Lately in British rule, harijans started keeping chickens.

  Garhwalis still love domestic animals and offer same love to them as their children. Cow is equal to mother and other animals as children.

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References  

1-Shiv Prasad Dabral ‘Charan’, Uttarakhand ka Itihas, Part -7 Garhwal par British -Shasan, part -1, page- 343-456

2- Atkinson , Himalayn Districts Vol.3

 3- Asiatic Researches vol 6

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Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti Mumbai, India,bjkukreti@gmail.com 11/9/201710History of Garhwal – Kumaon-Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India) to be continued… Part -1024

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*** History of British Rule/Administration over British Garhwal (Pauri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli1815-1947) to be continued in next chapter

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(The History of Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar write up is aimed for general readers)

 History of British Garhwal, History of Devalgarh Garhwal; History of Badhan Garhwal; History of Barasyun Garhwal; History of Chandpur Garhwal; History of Chaundkot Garhwal; History of  Gangasalan Garhwal;  History of Mallasalan Garhwal;  History ofTallasaln Garhwal; History of Dashauli Garhwal; History of Nagpur Garhwal;Dresses in British Garhwal.