JAIPUR: The might of Marwari or Malani horse has finally been recognised . The faithful Marwari breed of horses, the most famous of which was Maharana Pratap's Chetak, descended from native Indian ponies crossed with the Arabian horses and possibly with the Mongolian influence.
The Marwari along with other indigenous horses of India like Kathiawari, Zanskar and Manipuri have found a place in the Indian philately. The post & telegraph department, because of the persistent efforts of the Indigenous Horses Society of India has come out with a first day cover depicting the four horses. The stamp would be released at Dundlod in Jhunjhunu district during the national endurance horse racing championship. The stamp will be released by the chief post master general of Rajasthan.
"We have been trying to give due recognition to the indigenous horses of India and the best way that the people could know about it was through postage stamps. After much effort, the post and telegraph department decided to recognise the indigenous Indian horses by giving them a pride of place in the postage stamp,' said Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod, secretary general of Indigenous Horse Society of India.
Raghuvendra Singh said the first day cover carries four stamps, each of Rs five value. One of the stamp shows the Marawari breed horses, the second Zanskari, the tough horse from Leh region in Kashmir, the third is the famous Kathiawari breed that comes from Gujarat and the fourth is Manipuri. All these horses have their own specialities.
Today Marwari is not only India's best breed, but is known for its endurance quality and the long hours that it could serve its owners at a stretch. The horse was used when there was no postal system and the mails were sent from one place to other in the state through riders who would carry them on horseback. The animal is known for its inward-turning ear tips. It is a hardy breed, and quite similar to the Kathiawari.
The traditional rulers of Marwar region, Rathores were the first to breed the Marwari. Beginning in the 12th century, they espoused strict breeding that promoted purity and hardiness. Used throughout history as a cavalry horse by the people of Marwar, the animal was noted for its loyalty and bravery in battle. The breed deteriorated in the 1930s, with breeding stock diminishing due to poor management practices, but today has regained some of its popularity.