The domestication of indigenous cattle appears to have taken place in the area of present Afghanistan, Sind and Baluchistan before 4000 BC. The seals from Sivikotada in Gujarat and Kalibanga in Rajasthan show images of domestic animals probably reared by Harappans (2200 BC to 1600 BC). Fossils of Bos acutifrons have been discovered in Siwaliks, which are regarded as possible wild ancestors of cattle. These findings suggest that domestication of cattle in Indian Subcontinent antedates Europe and North Africa.
The indigenous cattle (Bos indicus) differ from Bos Taurus cattle found in Europe and North Africa in morphological characters. A prominent hump, a long face, upright horns, drooping ears, a dewlap and slender legs characterize the indigenous breeds. Indigenous cattle have lower basal metabolic rate, better capacity for heat dissipation through cutaneous evaporation and thus adaptation to tropical heat and resistance to diseases specially the thick-borne diseases than Taurus cattle. Indigenous breeds are well known for heat tolerance, hardiness and ability to survive and perform even under stressful conditions and low input regimes. Different breeds of indigenous cattle were evolved over centuries to suit to different agro ecological situations.

Indian subcontinent is a rich source of diverse animal germplasm, and only a very few countries have such a large number of breeds of farm animals with such a wide genetic diversity. India has contributed richly to the international livestock gene pool and improvement of animal production in the world. The cattle in India are broadly categorized in to 3 groups, milch breeds, draught breeds and dual-purpose breeds. There are nearly thirty breeds of cattle in addition to a large number of which are generally small in size and low producing. It is estimated that only about 18% of the total cattle in India belong to well defined breeds.