The horse is one of the most beloved animals in the world, and is found in many countries, including India. In India, the horse is a symbol of strength, courage and pride, and has been part of Indian culture for centuries. As such, it is no surprise that there are many different ways to say “horse” in Indian languages. In this article, we will explore the various names for “horse” in Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.
Sanskrit Names
Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world, and is the language of Hinduism and Buddhism. In this language, the word for “horse” is “ashva”. This word is derived from the root word “ash”, which means “to move or to go”. This is fitting, as the horse is a fast and powerful animal that has been used for transportation and recreation for centuries.
Hindi Names
Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India, and is the official language of the country. In Hindi, the word for “horse” is “ghora”. This word is derived from the Sanskrit word “ghosha”, which means “neigh”. This is in reference to the neighing sound that horses make, and is also the source of the English word “neigh”.
Bengali Names
Bengali is the second most widely spoken language in India, and is the official language of West Bengal. In Bengali, the word for “horse” is “ashu”. This is a variation of the Sanskrit word “ashva”, and is also derived from the root word “ash”. This word is often used in poetry and literature to refer to the strength and grace of the horse.
Tamil Names
Tamil is the third most widely spoken language in India, and is the official language of Tamil Nadu. In Tamil, the word for “horse” is “kudirai”. This is derived from the root word “kud”, which means “to run”. This is a fitting name for the horse, as it is an animal that is known for its speed and agility.
Other Indian Languages
In addition to the four main languages of India, there are many other languages spoken in the country. Each of these languages has its own word for “horse”, which are all derived from the root words of the language. Here is a list of some of the other words for “horse” in Indian languages:
- Kannada: Hatti
- Malayalam: Kudirai
- Telugu: Gadi
- Marathi: Ghora
- Odia: Ashwa
- Gujarati: Ghora
- Punjabi: Ghora
Horse Symbolism in India
The horse has long been associated with strength and courage in Indian culture. In Hindu mythology, the horse is often used as a symbol of power and prestige. For example, in the Mahabharata, the chariot of Arjuna was pulled by a horse named Uchchaihshravas, which was gifted to him by Indra, the king of the gods.
In addition, the horse is also seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity in India. It is believed that owning a horse brings wealth, good luck, and success. As such, horses are often given as gifts during important events such as weddings and festivals.
Horse Racing in India
Horse racing has been a popular sport in India for centuries. In the ancient times, horse racing was used to settle disputes between kings, as well as to test the strength and speed of the horses. In modern times, horse racing is seen as a form of entertainment, and is enjoyed by both the elite and the common people.
Horse racing is popular in many cities across India, and the most prestigious race is the Indian Derby, which is held in Mumbai every year. The winning horse is rewarded with a large cash prize, and the jockey who rides the horse is showered with praise and admiration.
Horse Riding in India
Horse riding has long been a popular pastime in India, and is still enjoyed by many people today. Horse riding is a great way to explore the countryside, and is also a great form of exercise. In addition, horse riding can be a great way to bond with a horse, as it requires trust and understanding between the rider and the horse.
In India, horse riding is often seen as a sign of wealth and privilege, and is often practiced by the elite classes. Horse riding is also popular among tourists, as it is a great way to explore the local culture and scenery.
Conclusion
The horse has been an important part of Indian culture for centuries, and has many different names in Indian languages. In Sanskrit, the word for “horse” is “ashva”, while in Hindi it is “ghora”. In Bengali, the word is “ashu”, and in Tamil it is “kudirai”. In addition, there are many other words for “horse” in other Indian languages.
The horse is a symbol of strength, courage and wealth in India, and is often seen as a representation of power and prestige. Horse racing is a popular sport, and horse riding is a great way to explore the countryside. As such, the horse is a beloved animal in India, and its many names in Indian languages reflect its importance in the culture.