Chapter 4.5 - The Buffalo (Mahisha) in the Epics

Among the wild animals there are many descriptions regarding the buffalo in many places in Ramayana.^[1]

They are born in the human habitation. The females give plenty of milk. The age of their youth is from 4 to 12 years. The life span of buffaloes is 20 years. They are of five varieties.^[2]

The 1st variety is called Mahisha itself. They are dark black in colour and have short horns. They walk fast when they are angry or in passion. They have a good memory and can be trained. They are very useful to other animals. They can carry heavy loads. They are tolerant of hunger and thirst and are fearless.

The 2nd variety is known as Lulaya. They have blue complexion and their skin is covered with long hair. They have long horns. They are taller than the other types of buffaloes. They have long shanks, short tails, hanging testicles and huge heads. They are easily captured and trained. They are useful to others. They are ready to work and are strong. They are beautiful and exude a good body aroma. They like to eat a lot.

The 3rd variety is called Vahadvisha. They are very tall and move with great speed. They are difficult to control when angry. They can be black or white. They have long tails. They are good for work and breathe heavily. They have a big hump, large eyes and long necks. They hardly fall sick and have a strong sex urge. They frequently bellow with a 'humbha' sound. Their skins is very thick and is covered with hair. They have prominent veins. They engage in group fights when they are annoyed. They exhibit no sign of physical or mental strain.

The 4th variety is called Kasara. They are reddish black in colour. They have white hair on their body. They are of medium height and are very strong. They have fat bellies, and they walk with great speed. When sexually aroused they bellow for a long time and eat less. They are fond of playing in mud or in rain. Normally they move in groups. They have white horns and hanging testicles.

The 5th variety is Sairibha (Wild Buffalo). They are dreadful and they live in forests. They bellow habitually. When mature, their gait is fast. They are strong and stout. They are useless for work as they have short memory. It is also difficult to capture and train them. They have a harsh skin which they rub against trees. They have different body colours. They frequently run around.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Valmiki Ramayana . 2.63.21, 2.96.8, 2.103.42, 3.11.4, 6.39.16, 7.31.20

[2]:

Mrigapakshishastra [mriga-pakshi-shastra] .I.11. 502, 510, 519, 523, 527b, 531