for commercial purposes, and further ensure that we receive a fair and equitable
share of the benefits arising from the utilization of our breeds and traditional
knowledge according to mutually agreed terms; and
• Calls on the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity,
specifically under Article 8(j) of the Convention, to recognize our contribution to
the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the Bargur forest
ecosystem; and also calls on the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to
acknowledge the importance of our animal genetic resources and to recognize
livestock keepers’ rights.
Where we live
We are Lingayats, an indigenous Kannada-speaking community who live in the midst of
Bargur Forest Range situated in Western Ghats in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, south
India. We number about 10,000 people. We have lived in the region for over 400 years
rearing unique breed of cattle, namely Bargur (also spelt as Barghur) and acting as
custodians of the local forests.
Our origin
Our community deity is Matheswareaswami whose temple is located in Kollegal taluk of
Chamrajnagar district in Karnataka state. When we came to Bargur Range and settled in
this forest, we also brought our cattle. These cattle are accustomed to climbing the hills
for grazing over the years and developed compact body with more stamina and strong
legs. Such animals have been kept by us for ploughing operation. We are keeping
animals as a gift of nature and extend our love and affection to them.
Our spiritual life
We Lingayats worship Veerabadrasami or Basavannasami (Deity of Lord
of Shiva cult). We nominate our families by turns to act as priests for the temple on
monthly basis. Each month, the designated family observes rituals like waking up early
the morning, taking bath and preparing food (Prasad) for the deities. The priestdesignated family should not move outside the village, especially should not visit the
families where death/obsequies is taking place to avoid defilement. We usually cook
special variety of rice called Karuppu nellu (traditional red rice). In the evening we
participate in the village bajan (singing spiritual songs) especially during the month of
‘Margali’ (December-January). In each temple the symbol of lying posture of cow is
erected on the top.
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