Khillari cattle

Killar cow

Killar bull

The Khillar is a cattle breed. It is a member of the Bos indicus sub-species, native to Satara, Kolhapur and Sangli regions in Maharashtra and Bijapur, Dharwad and Belgaum districts of Karnataka in India. The breed is well adapted to the area's tropical and drought-prone conditions. They are favoured by the local farming community due to their ability to handle the hardships of farming. The breed is in decline, mostly due low milk yield, which offers an alternate income stream.

History

The Khillari breed includes several varieties. It possibly owes its origin to the Hillikar breed of cattle from Mysore State or from Maharashtra state. The name comes from "Khillar" meaning a herd of cattle, and Khillari meaning the herdsman. Mostly Khillari bulls are basically from Satara District of South Maharashtra.& also this animals are found in neighbouring districts of Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur of Western Maharashtra. Besides their extensive use in their home tracts they are used in the adjacent districts of Pune, Ahmednager, Nasik and Bijapur.

Breed Names

• Kajali Khillar: The bulls/cows who have dark black-colored horns, corner of the eyes, eyelids, nostrils, hoofs, the hair on the tail, etc., and clear white-colored body are called as Kajali (sooty black) Khillar. This breed is prominently found in the Solapur district’s Pandhapur area which is why it is called ‘Pandharpuri Khillar.’

• Kosa Khillar: Kosa (dark grey) is a color description that is similar to the color of pale millet. The spots on the face make the cow/bull/calf attractive and eye-catching. The composition of the spots on the face is a pale white color with brown spots. Also, there is a vertical stripe of dark grey color on the face that resembles a peacock; also called moracana. While the color of the neck, legs, and thighs is darker than the color of the abdomen. The color of the corners of the eyes and nostrils is not fixed and it is found to be pale or reddish. The color of the horn is black at the apex and white or pink below. The hooves are black, and the tail is black. The breeding of these kinds is undertaken in Solapur district at Sangola, Mangalwedha, while in Sangli district at taluka places like Atapadi, Jat, and Kavathe Mahakal. Besides, the breeding is also undertaken in the state of Karnataka along with Chadchan region and the neighboring areas.

• Gajari Khillar: In this subspecies, the horns, eyelids, eyelids, nostrils, hooves, hair of the tail, etc. of the bull/cow are pale pink like carrots and the body is white. And that’s why they are called as gajari Khillar. This subspecies of Khillar is mainly found in Vijapur of Karnataka and the adjoining areas of Maharashtra.

• Harnya Khillar: The name of this subspecies is derived from its color. All the characteristics of this subspecies are the same as other Khillars. As the body of these Khillars boasts the color of a deer which is reddish-brown or auburn which is why they are called Harnya (deer) Khillar. These subspecies are less common as compared to other Khillars.

The complete information of a Bullock Cart

The heritage that is passed on by ‘Khillar Maharashtrachi Shaan’ should be treasured by one and all. In the olden times, when bullocks were used in the fields to carry grain and fodder then a whole wooden bullock cart with stone wheels was made. Further, it evolved into a cart with wooden wheels, and now with an iron bullock cart with rubber tires. Amidst this, the cart with stone wheels was painful and heavy for the bulls to pull. Besides, the latest iron bullock cart with rubber tires looks easy to pull but continues to be painful and tiresome for the bulls. And all this happens when the cart picks up speed while making it difficult to halt! However, in medieval times, the wooden bullock cart was a huge hit because it had beautiful carving, lightweight, and very easy to carry. But with the time, it started becoming rare. In olden times, in a village with a population of 500 houses, had at least 400 bullock carts. But now, even if we get to witness one bullock cart in a village, is the most fortunate thing ever. That’s why to enlighten the newer generation we are giving away detailed information about all the parts of the wooden bullock cart. As the area changes, the language also changes. Similarly, the names of various parts of the bullock cart have also changed. In most places like Pune and Marathi speaking Solapur districts as well as many parts of Satara, Sangli, and Osmanabad districts have similar names.

• Yoke (जोटे): For pulling the bullock cart, a ninth-sized piece of carved wood is placed on the shoulder of the bull which is called a yoke.
• Oxbow tack or harness (झुंपणी): To keep the bulls attached to the yoke, there is a leather strap around their neck which is called oxbow tack or even harness. It also has another name called neck pivot.
• Pegs (लाखण): To attach the oxbow tack or harness on the yoke, there are two bolts of rope on both sides. These bolts or rings are called pegs.
• Pavilion (मंडपी): To keep the oxbow tack or harness in place on the yoke, and to keep them in one place there is a small indentation which is called the pavilion. With this indentation, the harness remains at one place and both the oxen have the same strength to pull the cart.
• Nail (खिळ): To keep the bull from getting stuck outside the yoke, a hole is made in the outer end of the yoke and an embossed stick is placed in it. It is called a nail. Several times, copper bells are attached to this stick.

Things you find usually in a bullock cart 1. yoke and that yoke has 2. pavilions on the outer corner along with 2 holes, 3. nails, and 4. straps. Then there are 4 pegs on both sides of the 2 straps. Further, the yoke has 2 indentations on each pavilion and in the middle on the outer side of the rod there are iron rings.

• Rods (दांड्या) : Two wooden sticks that help in keeping the yoke intact are called rods.
• Braided cord (येटन) : To control the body of the bullock cart, a block of wood is placed below the body and above the main wooden sticks or rods. And to tie them together, a strong and thick rope is used which is called a braided cord.
• Falling tongue (डोंबाळा) : To control the bullock cart, below the body, and above the wooden sticks, there is the wooden piece that is secured by a rope. That wooden piece is nothing but a falling tongue.
• Iron rim (धाव) : To protect the wheels of a speeding bullock cart, an iron strip is applied on the wooden wheels. This strip is called a rim which measures around two or two- and three-quarter inches respectively.
• Felloes plate (पट्टे) : The pieces or plates that are placed inside the iron rim are called felloes plate or felloes. One wheel consists of 6 felloes.
• Spokes (आरा) : Inside the felloes, there are few standing wooden rods that are called spokes. There are almost 12 spokes in a wooden wheel.
• Hub (मणी) : A hub is placed outside the iron frame, and it is a strong round piece of wood that is hammered and attached with the spokes. This band is made from the solid wood of Khair trees also called senegalia catechu.
• Hub band (चुडे किंवा कडी) : Excessive strain could lead to the rupture of the hub. Thus, to save the same, a latch or a bolt is placed on the inner and outer side which is called a hub band.
• Nave (आंबवण) : A thick iron pipe is stuck in the middle of the hub so that the hubs do not get worn out due to the rubbing of the iron on the wood. This is called the nave. The work of the current bearings was undertaken by the nave in the past.
• Axle (आक) : The big iron rod that helps in managing the load of the cart and lays on the wheel is called an axle. The shape of this axle varies between two and two- and three-quarter inches respectively.
• Wooden bolster (आकरी): To maintain the body and to keep the axle tied, there is a square or rectangular shaped wooden choke which is placed below the main body and above the axle. And it is called as a wooden bolster. The bolster has two square-shaped holes in the middle with one side of the rod attached to the yoke and the other side is inserted into the two holes drilled in this bolster. The entire load of the bullock cart is borne by this iron frame.
• Split pins (कुण्या आणि बाळ्या): There are small holes on the outside of the bullock cart to keep the wheels intact to the axle while in motion. It has a crescent-shaped iron bar and is known as a split pin. The reason for the shape being crescent is because there are chances that the straight vertical strip when hit might break. Thicker on the upper side and thin on the lower side makes it carry the load equally which is why it doesn't break too! To keep this pin intact, there is a round wired ring at the bottom so that nothing can fall off. It is called a metal hub or hoop.
• 18. Platform body (साटी) : The main area of the bullock cart, as well as the seating area, is called a platform body. The body consists of many parts which are: 1) side beam 2) stake, 3) top rails, 4) main plank or body, 5) dashboard 6) bed
• Side beam (घोडके) : On top of the wooden bolster, there are two wooden logs on the sides of the bullock cart. Those are called side beams.
• Bed (तरशे) : To support the planks that are laid out for seating, both side beams are notched down and six horizontal wooden bars are fastened. These are called beds.
• Blade / top rail/ cross bar (पात) : The end part of the bullock cart has a wooden block that is parallel to the wooden beams. This is called blades or top rails and usually, there are two rails for one platform body of the bullock cart.
• Stake or peg (खुंटले) : To keep the top rail and side beam intact as well as to give a square shape to the platform body, there are vertical blades hammered which are called as stake or pegs. Sometimes, two of these stakes are made out of iron. Also, on one side there are 8 blades, thus making the count 16 including both sides. Interestingly, these blades have beautiful carvings.
• Board or plank (फळ्या) : The seating area on the backside of the bullock cart is called a board or a plank.
• Dashboard (करळ्या) : To shape the body into a square, as well as to complete the diagram of the body. Further, to make the stakes strong and to keep the planks tied together. There is a wood that is placed on the front and rear side that has two notches and it is called a dashboard.
• 19. Swingletree (ढकली) : On the front side of the platform and the rear side of the bull, there is a horizontal wood which is called swingletree. There are times that while turning the bullock cart, a bull might stay behind. And if there is no swingletree then his leg might get stuck in the wheel leading to injury. Thus, to save his leg, this wooden stick comes handy for him to rest on it. Besides, there is enough space between the bull’s leg and the wheel.
• 20. Ladders (शिड्या) : While loading a bullock cart, if the load goes at the back then there are chances of the bull getting strangled. And that's why the load has to be on the front side. From near the side beam and swingletree to 2 yards from the yoke, there are hooks. Up to that point, two bamboos are woven and tied with a rope. This is called a ladder.
• 21. Shaft rest (शिपाई) : To balance the bullock cart especially when it is loaded, two sticks are attached to a chain and lie below the yoke and rods. This is called the shaft rest.
• 22. Axle nuts (रिकम्या) : For keeping the axle and the wooden bolster strongly intact, two strong iron straps are hammered which are called axle nuts.
• 23. Tail log (धट) : There are times when a bullock cart could slip back while resting on the shaft. So, to avoid this hazard there is a wooden log which is also called a tail log which is tied to a chain. When the cart is in motion, this log is latched at the back of the platform body and it keeps moving constantly.
• 24. Tie-down (मुंगा) : To secure the luggage from falling from behind, there is a special technique of tying the luggage which is called tie-down.
• 25. Lubricant (वंगण) : In the moving wheel, to avoid the friction of axle and nave as well as to protect from wearing off, an oil is applied which is called as a lubricant.
• 26. Grease stick (वंगारी) : A grease stick is a thin iron spear which is round on one side and slightly flattened on the other side, has a small hole and a cloth strip stuck in that hole.
• 27. Grease pot (नळा) : In olden times, while traveling at a long distance. People would hollow bamboo to carry lubricant and a grease stick. That container made out of bamboo was called as a grease pot.
• 28. Veil (ओढणी) : To avoid falling of lofty baggage or possession, it is tied with a thick and strong rope called the veil.
• 29. Bonnet (तट्ट्या) : Bonnet is a roof-like covering that is placed on the platform body. In olden times, the noblewomen had to practice a ritual of hiding their faces. Similarly, while traveling in bullock carts they had to hide their faces which is why these bonnets were made.

So, this was all about the bullock cart that complements our agriculture sector. Besides, it was the most important medium of transportation in olden times. However, along the time, the bullock carts have started to become nearly extinct. And so, we insisted on passing this information because we want our young generation to know about this precious asset!

Characteristics

The Khillari is between 4½ to 5½ feet tall and weighs between 350 and 450 kg. The typical specimen is compact and tight skinned, with clean cut features and squarely developed hindquarters. The appearance is compact with stout strong limbs. The pelvis is slightly higher than the shoulders. The Khillaris of the Deccan plateau, the Mhaswad and the Atpadi Mahal types are greyish white in colour. The males have deeper colour over the forequarters and hindquarters, with peculiar grey and white mottling on the face. The Tapti Khillari is white with reddish nose and hooves. The Nakali Khillari is grey with tawny or brickdust color over the forequarters. Newly born calves have rust red coloured polls, but this disappears within months. Khillaris have a long narrow head with long horns sweeping back and then upward in a distinctive bow, and tapering to a fine point. The ears, coloured yellow inside are small, pointed and held sideways. The legs are round and straight with black hooves. The coat is fine, short and glossy.

Varieties

Four principal types of Khillaris are prevalent in Maharashtra State. Hanam Khillar (sometimes Atpadi Mahal), is prevalent in southern Maharashtra .In Kolhapur and Satara and adjoining areas. Mhaswad Khillari live mostly in Man & Khatav talukas of Satara District. In the area of the Satpura range of hills comprising the West Khandesh district Tapi Khillari or Thillari predominate. Nakali Khillari is of more recent origin. Nakali means "imitation". It is found in adjacent areas of these regions.

Breeding

In southern Maharashtra and Solapur, Sangli and Satara districts, Khillaris are bred by cultivators. In these regions the size of the herd is small, usually one or two cows. In the Satpura ranges the Khillaris are bred by professional breeders known as Thillaris. These breeders produce bulls and bullocks. Khillaris are classified as "medium fast draft". Breeding is carried out by the Government of Mahararashtra at Hingoli, Jath and Junoni and by the Government of Karnataka at Bankapur.

External links

• Imperial Gazetteer of India.
• Dr. Vijaya Salunke (2007). "Animal Resources". India: Human Environment. Geography Standard (Grade) IX. Pune: Secretary Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. p. 31.

• Pathak, Arunchandra S. (1960). Agriculture & Irrigation: Live-stock Kolhapur District Gazetteer. Archived at the Wayback Machine.
• Pathak, Arunchandra S. (1963).Agriculture & Irrigation: Live-stock Satara District Gazetteer. Archived at the Wayback Machine.
• Indigenous Cattle. Gou Vishwakosa: Encyclopedia of Cow. Archived at the Wayback Machine.