Observations on the breeding of horses, within the Provinces under the Bengal establishment, submitted to the consideration of the President and members of the Board of Superintendence [of the East India Company, 1814].

Moorcroft, William.

Date:: 1862

Credit: Observations on the breeding of horses, within the Provinces under the Bengal establishment, submitted to the consideration of the President and members of the Board of Superintendence [of the East India Company, 1814]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$Would BonrUb if pro- sen hod by UiO Itnib- nuiiiH. In England Stallions are kept for hire by per- sons of r.uik. ia India only by ]>eopl€ of the lowest order. Stallions kepi for hire by wciUthy laod-holders would much promote permanency of breed. Btalllon-keepcrs. R)\j- pools and Moe^sulmans. Were a Bralunim to discover a reading of tbe Sliastras prescribing tbe pursuit of Horse-breeding to some widely diffused caste of Hindoos, and this were credited, it would only be necessary for Government to find the first mate- rials, and to collect the produce. By an impulse once given through religious authority, the supply would keep pace with the demand, and stability would he ensured. But as things arc, the f ugitiveness of the race throws a doubt upon the lasting success of every plan of. breeding, save that perhaps, which retains a property ia the Mares, The w’hole subject involves much difficulty. In Europe, demand may create supply through the want being made public, hut in India though the raw material he at hand, the mode of working it not difficult, and the profit certain, more still is sometimes required. Prejudice must be up- rooted, or neutralized, or satisfied. In England, Stallions are kept for the use of the public, by individuals of all ranks, from the Prince to the farmer. No feeling of indelicacy is raised by earning money in this manner. I But no Moosulman of reputation, no Hindoo of respectability will keep a Stallion for hire. Shame deters the former, caste prevents the latter taking money for such a purpose. f Yet the Moosulman is a slave to licentiousness, the Hindoo to the desire of wealtln Could the praefiee of Icecping Stallions for hire he introduced amongst respect- able land-holders, it would contribute to increase breeding and to give it pei'manency. Their interest would induce them to encourage amongst the farmers an occupation directly beneficial to themselves. But hitherto I have aimed at this in vain. Several have promised, hut all have shrunk from the performance, even when they have been offered the loan of Horses belonging to the Stud. A caste of Rajpoots, a dissipated cla.ss of Moosulmans are now the keepers of Stallions for hire. AVhen not furnished with good Stallions from the State, they purchase Horses Or, was it supposed that Ilorse-brceding could not flourish in India, or was unnecessary ? If there exist a clue which could lead to the cause, the research would be not devoid of interest.$