Animals

The breed developed across the plains of Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and adjoining Rajasthan, an area characterised historically by intensive cultivation, hot summers, seasonal scarcity of fodder and the need for animals capable of performing several functions within a farming household. ICAR’s National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources officially records Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan as the home tract of Hariana cattle.

The National Dairy Development Board classifies Kankrej as a dual-purpose breed used for both milk and draught work. Its native tract extends across parts of northern Gujarat and western Rajasthan, particularly the region surrounding the Rann of Kutch.

Unlike indigenous breeds selected primarily for dairy production, Nagori cattle were shaped by the practical requirements of farmers, traders and transporters living in an arid environment. Their long legs, powerful frame, strong feet and alert temperament enabled them to travel efficiently over hard, sandy and uneven ground.

The breed is officially recognised as an indigenous Indian cattle breed, with Maharashtra and Karnataka recorded as its native tract. Its registered accession number is INDIA_CATTLE_1108_KHILLAR_03014.

The Kangayam is one of Tamil Nadu’s most celebrated indigenous cattle breeds—a compact, muscular and

The history of the Amritmahal is closely connected with the rulers of Mysore. The term “Amrit Mahal” has commonly been interpreted as referring to an establishment or department created for maintaining cattle associated with the royal household. The original herds reportedly included recognised Mysore cattle types such as Hallikar, Hagalvadi and Chitaldroog or Chitradurga cattle.

Hallikar cattle originated in Karnataka and are officially recognised by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources as an indigenous Indian cattle breed. The breed has been assigned the national accession number INDIA_CATTLE_0800_HALLIKAR_03008.

The tiger has occupied a prominent place in Indian culture for centuries, appearing in art, royal emblems, coins, folklore and temple traditions. Its association with strength, sovereignty and the natural world contributed to the Royal Bengal Tiger being declared India’s National Animal in 1972.

The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources recognises Rathi as a distinct Indian cattle breed originating in Rajasthan, while the National Dairy Development Board classifies it primarily as a milch breed. Its recognised home tract includes Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar and Jaisalmer districts, with a particularly strong concentration around Lunkaransar in Bikaner. Rathi cattle are also reared in Hanumangarh and adjoining parts of north-western Rajasthan.

The breed developed in the Sindh region of undivided India, particularly around Karachi and Hyderabad and the adjoining Las Bela region of present-day Balochistan. It is also known by names such as Sindhi, Red Karachi and Malir. India recognises Red Sindhi as an indigenous milch breed, with organised populations maintained in states including Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Kerala and Assam.