In the Vedic period, the cow was described by the term:

In the Vedic texts, the cow was often called "aghnya", meaning "not to be killed" or "inviolable".

About the term "Aghnya":

• The word appears several times in the Rigveda in reference to cows.
• It shows the great importance and respect given to the cow, which was the main source of wealth, milk and dairy products.
• Historians differ on whether this meant that cows were never killed in the Vedic period; some texts mention the sacrifice of cattle on special occasions, while others prohibit it.
• Over time, the idea of the sacredness of the cow grew stronger in Indian religion.

The importance of cattle in the Vedic period:

Cattle were the main form of wealth.

Many words are linked with the cow ("go"):

• "Gavishti": war (literally "search for cows").
• "Godhuli": evening (the time of dust raised by cows returning home).
• "Gopa" or "Gopati": a protector of cows, used for chiefs.
• "Gavyuti": a measure of distance.
• "Goghna": a guest, according to some interpretations (one for whom a cow was killed), though this is debated.
• Gifts to priests ("dakshina") were often given in cows.

The cow in later Indian history:

• In the Gupta period and after, cow killing came to be seen as a great sin in many texts.
• Cows were donated to Brahmanas as a pious act ("go-dana").
• In the 19th and early 20th centuries, cow protection movements arose.

The cow today:

Article 48 of the Constitution of India (a Directive Principle) asks the state to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on scientific lines, and to take steps to preserve and improve breeds and prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle.

Many states have laws on cow protection.

Why not the other options?

• ✗"Gavishti" means war.
• ✗"Godhuli" means the evening hour.
• ✗"Gopa" means a protector of cows.