Gaushalas, also spelled goshalas (Hindi: गौशाला, romanised: gauśālā), are protective shelters for stray cows in India. The institution reflects the traditional reverence accorded to the cow within Hinduism, where the animal is regarded as sacred and worthy of protection, particularly in old age or when abandoned.
These shelters typically house cattle that are stray, infirm, or no longer productive, providing them with fodder, water, and basic veterinary care. Gaushalas are run by a mix of religious trusts, charitable organisations, and community-supported bodies, and are spread across various regions of the country.
The primary sources of income for gaushalas in India are government grants and private donations. Voluntary contributions from devotees and patrons have historically formed an important pillar of their functioning, while public funding has also played a significant role in sustaining and expanding such shelters.
Between 2014 and 2016, following the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre, India spent ₹5.8 billion (about US$61 million) on cow shelters. This reflects the policy attention given to cow protection and the network of gaushalas operating across the country.
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on Goshala.