THE CAMEL BREEDS OF INDIA IN SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

SUMMARYThis artiele traces the evolution of one-humped camel {C. dromedarius) breeds in India and describes the social and historical factors that contributed to their formation. In India a number of distinct breeds developed from the breeding herds maintained by the Maharajahs of Rajputana for supplying camels for desert warfare. After a summary of the literature, details are provided on the characteristics and historical background of the individual breeds or types. The threats to the continued existence of these breeds and their genetic diversity are also evaluated.