An Investigation into the Relationship between India and Cows

Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2012 im Fachbereich Kulturwissenschaften - Sonstiges, Note: 1,3, Massey University, New Zealand, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: The relationship between human society and animals is composed of vast and inter-related examples scattered over every continent, which take on a multitude of different forms, some cohesive and some antagonistic. One such case, which highlights the mutual dependence between animal and human, is the case of cows in India. This essay will look to explore the various forms that the cow-human relationship has taken in India and show how each species has affected the other. In order to achieve this, Beatson's classificatory system of human-animal relationships will be outlined in relation to cows in India, and then analysed through a structural-functionalist model, which will highlight several of the key reasons for the usefulness of this relationship. By providing an overview of the cow-human relationship in this light, it is hoped that a holistic understanding is reached on why cows are an integral part of the Indian society.