Goddess. Companion. Annapurna. The history and culture of India is incomplete without the cow. Featuring in stories of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva, the cow finds a place in the pages of our tradition-rich mythology as well as in tribal folklore. It continues to play an extremely significant role in not just the Indian economy as a whole, having made India the largest milk-producing nation in the world, but also in the lives of poor rural households where it provides a more engendered and equitable distribution of livelihoods. This brilliantly designed and produced book is a pictographic and informative rendition of important facts and oral tales woven intricately together. It provides information about the various breeds of the beautiful Bos indicus and dairying in India, even as it captures the reader s interest with some scientific and historical facts, fascinating local beliefs and myths about various breeds. A must-have for every dairy expert and institution, it is also a treasure trove for anyone interested in India and its rich heritage."