Camels are an iconic part of the arid landscapes of India, particularly in states like Rajasthan, where they are often seen in sandy terrains. This widespread presence leads to questions about their origins and whether they are native to the Indian subcontinent. Integrated into the culture and economy of certain regions, camels in India arrived through migration and human interaction rather than indigenous evolution.
The Global Ancestry of Camels
The evolutionary journey of camels began in North America 45-50 million years ago, with early ancestors like Protylopus the size of a rabbit. These early camelids evolved over millions of years, and by 6-7 million years ago, Paracamelus migrated from North America to Eurasia via the Bering Land Bridge. These migrations led to the development of the two main types of camels: the one-humped Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and the two-humped Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). Dromedaries became prevalent in the Middle East and Africa, while Bactrians established themselves in colder, arid regions of Central and East Asia. Neither of these species evolved natively in India.
Camels in India: A Journey Through Time
Their arrival on the subcontinent occurred through a long history of trade, invasions, and migrations. Historical records indicate camels were introduced to the Indian subcontinent as early as 717 CE by Muhammad Qasim, who arrived in Sindh with 3,000 camels. Afghan invaders, like Mahmud of Ghazni in 997 CE, also used camels to transport water during desert crossings. From the 12th century onwards, evidence suggests camels were used for trade along routes like the Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade networks.
These animals became important for transport, moving goods and people across vast distances in arid western regions. By the 16th century, Mughal emperors and Rajput rulers established camel corps for warfare, solidifying their presence. Their widespread adoption in Rajasthan became significant around the 14th century. Their ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions made them useful for economic activities and military campaigns.
Distinct Camel Breeds and Their Roles in India
Single-humped Dromedaries are predominantly found in India, though a small population of two-humped Bactrian camels exists in Ladakh’s high-altitude cold desert region. Bactrian camels in Ladakh were introduced via the historic Silk Road trade in the 19th century and are now a tourist attraction in the Nubra Valley.
Several distinct Dromedary camel breeds developed in India, primarily adapted to Rajasthan and Gujarat’s desert climate. Notable breeds include:
- Bikaneri, known for its sturdy build and use for draught work.
- Jaisalmeri, prized for its speed and suitability for riding and patrolling.
- Marwari.
- Mewari.
These camels have traditionally played diverse roles in Indian society:
- Serving as pack animals for transport.
- Assisting in agriculture for ploughing and water extraction.
- Providing milk, wool, and fuel from their dung.
Communities like the Raika in Rajasthan have a deep cultural and spiritual connection to camels, historically acting as custodians.
The Future of Camels in India
Despite their historical importance and cultural significance, India’s camel population has faced a significant decline in recent decades. India’s overall camel population has plummeted by approximately 80% over the last sixty years, from around 1 million in 1961 to an estimated 200,000-250,000 currently. Rajasthan, accounting for over 80% of India’s camels, has seen its numbers drop from about 400,000 in 1992 to around 210,000 in 2019.
This decline is attributed to several factors, including increasing mechanization of transport and agriculture, reducing demand for camels. Urbanization and expansion of farmlands have led to loss of traditional grazing routes and fodder, impacting camel health and breeding. Economic incentives for camel herding have also weakened. Some government regulations, like the Rajasthan Camel Act of 2015, aimed at preventing slaughter and regulating migration, have inadvertently made camel rearing less viable for herders.
To address this crisis, efforts are underway to promote camel milk, recognized for its health benefits, and provide financial incentives to herders for raising camel calves. The Rajasthan government has also initiated a Camel Conservation Mission to protect these animals and support dependent communities.