ENVIS Centre on Conservation of Ecological Heritage and Sacred Sites of India

Scientific name

Camelus dromedaries

Common name

One-humped camel

Hindi

 Oont 

Tamil

Ottagam

Sanskrit

Ushtraa

Distribution

Desert area (  in Rajastan)                     

Religious Association

Camels play a central role in various rituals, customs, traditions and ceremonial functions of the Raika pastoralists of Rajasthan. The animal has influenced the culture life of the Raikas to a great extent.

Camel is also considered to be the vahana of Kalyana Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman).