DEDICATED TO
MATWAS & MALDHARIS
(MUSLIM COWHERDS & HINDU COWHERDS)
This thesis attempts to
bring out the most important phase of the basic Indian economy thrown
overboard in its stride by the frenzied industrial tempo. Let me state
clearly that I am not against industry but most emphatically insist that all
industrial development must be in consonance and in conformity with the
herein discussed basic Indian economy. Industry should support and not
distort this basic cow economy of the country. V.M. Vasu
Chapter 2
- Chapter 3 -
Chapter 4 -
Chapter 5 -
Chapter 6 -
Chapter 7 -
Chapter 8
The recent anti-cow-slaughter agitation has aroused a
worldwide interest in spite of the fact that both the agitator and the other
side have, either from ignorance or on purpose, nearly ignored the most
important aspect of the cow-issue, namely, its economy woven in the Indian
life through centuries and centuries. Even the Muslim rulers of India. from
Babar downwards accepted that the basic fiber of the Indian Economy is woven
around the cow to the extent that even reportedly anti-Hindu Aurangzeb did
not ado the cow-slaughter ban confirmed from time to time by Babar, Akbar
and other Emperors.
The cow is the foundation of one of the greatest economies in the world. It
is forgotten that the Hindu Religion, the Hindu Culture and the Indian Life
are woven around the cow, and in consequence protagonists of cow-slaughter
ban are dubbed religious fanatics, communalists and reactionaries by the
foreign and the Indian vested interests whose vigorous propaganda has
created an atmosphere of skepticism in the country, clouding the real issue.
And yet the stormy scenes witnessed in New Delhi on 7th November, 1966 and
the fasts of the Jagatguru Sankaracarya have aroused considerable interest
in the world. A truthful picture of the issue may help those interested but
the aim here is to bring the truth to the notice of the leadership of the
country who should with a free mind study and consider the full implications
of the issue discussed. Also the notice of the youths of the day is sought
to be attracted to this basic factor of the Indian life for it is these
youths and their progeny who will have to face the disaster envisaged on
account of the cow slaughter.
Here it should be noted that the agitation for cow slaughter ban was not an
election stunt; in fact a complete cow slaughter ban has been advocated from
earlier periods of the British Rule as far back as 1857. Late Sheth Shri
Goculdas, the pioneer of the famous house of Morarji Goculdas appealed to
the British Government to enforce a cow slaughter ban. His son Sheth Morarji
Goculdas did plan to go to England and agitate for the cow slaughter ban but
unfortunately his early death foiled the plan. Thereafter his son, Sheth
Narottam Morarji undertook his father’s mission and did present a case to
the British Government in London. And throughout in the subsequent years
this demand has persisted through different persons and institutions all
over the country. Shree Jivadaya Mandli of Bombay has always worked for the
implementation of the cow slaughter ban and its Hon. Secretary Shri
Jayantilal Mankar has devoted his life to this cause.
To appreciate in full all the aspects of the issue, we have to go deep into
the past. Here one point in respect of Hinduism needs be borne in mind,
namely, that Hinduism as a religion is perhaps the most practical and
earth-bound, i.e. material religion so far as material life is concerned as
it is highly idealistic in respect of spiritual aspects. For centuries
downwards our country’s economy is cow based, carrying on farming and
transport with bullocks. and obtaining nourishing food from cow. So old
thinkers placed the cow on a high religious pedestal to provide adequate
protection to the cow and thereby to the economy This Essay attempts to
bring to the notice of the people the basic facts of the cow economy which
has so far been disregarded.
The total area of our country is 32.6 crore hectares having East to West
distance of 2977 km. and North to South span of 3219 km. A population of
nearly 50 crores is spread over this vast area. Of this 82% Is in 666878
villages, nearly half of these villages having less than 500 persons. And of
course It Is this rural area that does the farming and so supports the cow.
In the centuries-old cow economy of this country, nearly all basic
necessities of life were woven around the pivotal cow.
These are:
- Farming and manure
- Food and nourishment
- Transport
- Fuel
- Housing
- Medicinal usage
Chapter 2
- Chapter 3 -
Chapter 4 -
Chapter 5 -
Chapter 6 -
Chapter 7 -
Chapter 8
