The Intelligence from The Economist Cattle lines are drawn: cows in India
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Dec 27, 2022 
Avantika Chilkoti, an international correspondent and expert on Indian politics, joins Simon Cox, a senior economics writer focused on population ethics, and Catherine Nixey, a Britain correspondent skilled in history and linguistics. They explore the complex relationship between cows and political narratives in India, highlighting the disconnect between reverence for these animals and their treatment. They also dive into population ethics and its implications for future generations, alongside a historical look at phrasebooks and their cultural significance.
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Modi's Pink Revolution
- In 2014, Narendra Modi used the "pink revolution" as a political argument during his campaign.
- He warned that the government was promoting cattle slaughter, framing it as an attack on Hindu values.
Sacred Cows, Complex History
- Cows hold a revered status in Hinduism, impacting India's political landscape.
- However, religious texts offer a more nuanced view, with instances of cow sacrifice and consumption.
Cow Politics Under Modi
- The politicization of cows intensified under Modi, who championed cow protection and allocated funds for shelters.
- Despite this, the actual living conditions of cows worsened, highlighting the political motivations behind these actions.