- Cattle were used as a source of meat, milk, and other dairy products for humans. Beef, cow's milk, ghee, butter, yogurt, and cheese were valuable food commodities that sustained ancient civilizations.
2. Agricultural Assistance:
- Cattle were used as draft animals to plow fields, pull carts, and carry loads. They helped in preparing the soil, planting crops, and transporting agricultural goods, increasing agricultural productivity.
3. Transportation:
- Oxen (male cattle) were used for transportation, pulling chariots, carts, and wagons. They served as a means of traveling, carrying people and goods.
4. Religious and Cultural Significance:
- Cattle, particularly cows, held special religious significance in ancient Indian culture. The cow was regarded as a sacred animal in both Hinduism and Jainism, symbolizing abundance, fertility, and purity.
- Cows were associated with prosperity, and cow products were offered during religious ceremonies and rituals.