The Curious Case of the “Bengal Cattle”: Unpacking Cattle-Breeding in Colonial Bengal, 1860–1920

What is it about?

This article provides a case-study to problematise the category of 'breed' in the colonial India. It critically analyses the social and cultural relevance of bovine animals in the Indian subcontinent under British rule. It highlights the processes through which preferences were projected on nonhuman animals in colonial scenarios. It seeks to show how 'unsuitable' climate, paucity of fodder and 'native' breeding practices were continuously lamented by the British Government. Throughout 19th and early 20th century, as this essay shows, the British government perceived the condition of cattle in Bengal to be declining or degenerating.

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