Cow protection movement

The cow protection movement is a predominantly Indian religious and political movement aiming to protect cows, whose slaughter has been broadly opposed by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians and Sikhs.

Quotes

• During the early part of 1893-4 considerable activity was shown by different associations formed for the protection of kine, known as Gorakshini sabhci, in collecting subscriptions and in promoting the anti-kine-killing movement. During April and May 1893, there were several riots occasioned by the forcible rescuing of cattle from Muhammadan butchers, and additional police had to be appointed in seven places in the Gaya District. On the 27th August a very serious riot broke out at Koath in Sahabad District. It began with an attack on the Muhammadan butchers by the Hindus, and ended in a general riot, involving some casualties. In the Saran District a drove of cattle, stopped by the Hindus on the high road between Champaran and Chapra on 31 August, were taken for safety to the police station, but it was attacked by a large mob of Hindus armed with lathis. The police opened fire, killing two and injuring many.
  • Volume 10: British Paramountcy and Indian Renaissance, Part 2 [1818-1905] pp 333ff edited by R.C. Majumdar