Anthra is a resource group that was started by a team of women veterinary scientists in 1992 to address the myriad constraints that faced rural livestock rearers. In 1995, Anthra was registered as a trust with an all-women governing board.

In Sanskrit, Anthra means an expression of joy, and in Hindustani classical music, Anthra is the opening verse.

The initial aim of the organization was to search for alternative systems for delivering livestock health and management practices to poor people, especially women in rural areas. Today, Anthra is a resource centre offering training, research and advocacy initiatives in the areas of livestock, biodiversity and people's livelihood.

Anthra has two operating offices in Hyderabad and Pune.