Life in Ancient India as Depicted in Jain Canons

Author(s): Jagdishchandra Jain
Publisher: New Book Company

Page 96

LIFE IN ANCIENT INDIA
The pasture grounds (daviya)" were very useful where herds of cattle and goats were grazed. Davaggi is mentioned as a profession that dealt in burning grass and protecting the fields." The cowherds (goddlaka) and shepherds ( ardpala: chagalıya ) were employed, who led the herds to these grounds for grazing. We hear of a shepherd who was Very good at shooting and used to make holes in the leaves of a banvan tree with lus tiny bow (chanuhiyā).14
REARING OF LIVE STOCK AND DAIRY FARMING
Cattle were a highly esteemed form of wealth in ancient India, and Cows, buffaloes, oxen and sheep were included among the precious possessions of a king. Vaya (uraja) also known as sangella', or a herd of cattle is mentioned; each vraja consisting of ten thousand cows 7 It is said that king Karakandu was very fond of the herds of cattlc (gokula) and possessed a number of herds of kinc."
Breeding and rearing of cattle was an essential concern of the people. The Abhiras (mod. Ahir), who tended the cows, are mentioned. We are told of an Abhira woman of Mathura, who used to supply milk and curds to a perfumer. Once upon a time at the wedding of her son she invited the perfumer and his wife. The perfumer could not attend the ceremony in person but he sent various clothes and ornaments for the bride and the bridegroom as a gift. The Abhīras were much pleased at this and in return they presented two strong-bodied bull-calves to the perfumer 70
Cattle were supplied with necessary grass and water (tanapaniya) There were large cow-pens (gomandava) where the herds of cows, bulls and calves were kept. A cattle-lifter (kūdaggāha) is mentioned, who used to go to the cow-pen and rob the cattle at night.8o Quarrels among cowherds are frequently referred to. The cows of various colours such as black, blue, red, white, and brindled were known; cows were often attacked and devoured by lions and tigers in the jungle.81
Dairy farming was in an advanced state and the supply of milk and its four products (gorasa), viz., curds, butter-milk, butter and ghee, was abundant and so people could get highly nutritious food. The milk of cow, buffalo, camel, goat and sheep is mentioned.82 Khiraghara was known as a place where products of milk were available in plenty.83 The cattle
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For the list of cattle see Panna 1 34
Act. II, 3. 2. 350. U , 1, p 11. Uttara. Ti. 5, p. 103. Oui Si., 6, also Ava T (Hari), p 128 Vya Bha 2. 23. Uno., 1, p 6, also Brh Bha, 3 4268 Ullara. Ti, 9, p. 134a. Âua. Ng., 471; Ápa cũ, p 280 f. Vood. 2, p. 14 f. Ava. c., p. 44, ibid. II, P 319. Nisi. ci., 9, p. 511. .
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