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Jallikattu was a popular sport during the [[Sangam period|Tamil classical period]].<ref name="jallikattu_ebook"/><ref name="jallikattu_nytimes"/> It was common among the ancient tribes who lived in the ‘Mullai’ geographical division of the ancient Tamil country.<ref name="Buzzing with bull talk"/> The sport often results in major injuries and deaths with over human 200 deaths over the past two decades.<ref name="death"/> Animal activists and [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA India]] has protested against the sport over the years for animal cruelty.<ref name="protest"/>
Jallikattu was a popular sport during the [[Sangam period|Tamil classical period]].<ref name="jallikattu_ebook"/><ref name="jallikattu_nytimes"/> It was common among the ancient tribes who lived in the ‘Mullai’ geographical division of the ancient Tamil country.<ref name="Buzzing with bull talk"/> The sport often results in major injuries and deaths with over human 200 deaths over the past two decades.<ref name="death"/> Animal activists and [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA India]] has protested against the sport over the years for animal cruelty.<ref name="protest"/>


Jallikattu sport lovers and native cattle breeders claims that [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA India]] is against indigenous native cattle breeds and they are responsible for reduction of cow to bull ratio, which has seen a reduction after 2004. They claim Jallikattu sport will preserve the native cattle breeds from extinction, and already one of the beautiful cattle breed Alambadi is now officially extinct.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Jallikattu, rekla race help preserve native bull stock, say breeders - Times of India|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Jallikattu-rekla-race-help-preserve-native-bull-stock-say-breeders/articleshow/50516530.cms|website = The Times of India|access-date = 2016-01-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Live Chennai: Jallikattu helps native breeds thrive, say breeders,Jallikattu,breeds|url = http://livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=23735|website = livechennai.com|access-date = 2016-01-12}}</ref>
Jallikattu sport lovers and native cattle breeders claims that [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA India]] is against indigenous native cattle breeds and they are responsible for reduction of cow to bull ratio, which has seen a reduction after 2004. They claim Jallikattu sport will preserve the native cattle breeds from extinction, and already one of the beautiful cattle breed Alambadi is now officially extinct.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Jallikattu, rekla race help preserve native bull stock, say breeders - Times of India|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Jallikattu-rekla-race-help-preserve-native-bull-stock-say-breeders/articleshow/50516530.cms|website = The Times of India|access-date = 2016-01-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Live Chennai: Jallikattu helps native breeds thrive, say breeders,Jallikattu,breeds|url = http://livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=23735|website = livechennai.com|access-date = 2016-01-12}}</ref> Both PETA India and Jallikattu enthusiasts have defensible positions.


In May 2014, the [[Supreme Court of India]] banned the sport citing animal welfare issues.<ref name="ban">{{Cite news|author=J.Venkatesan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/supreme-court-bans-jallikattu-in-tamil-nadu/article5986025.ece|title=Supreme Court bans Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu|publisher=''The Hindu''|date=8 May 2014}}</ref> On 8 January, 2016, the [[Government of India]] passed an order exempting Jallikattu from all performances where bulls can not be used, effectively reversing the ban.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-allows-tn-to-conduct-jallikattu/article8081472.ece|title=Centre allows Jalikattu|publisher=''[[The Hindu]]''|date=8 January 2016}}</ref>
In May 2014, the [[Supreme Court of India]] banned the sport citing animal welfare issues.<ref name="ban">{{Cite news|author=J.Venkatesan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/supreme-court-bans-jallikattu-in-tamil-nadu/article5986025.ece|title=Supreme Court bans Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu|publisher=''The Hindu''|date=8 May 2014}}</ref> On 8 January, 2016, the [[Government of India]] passed an order exempting Jallikattu from all performances where bulls can not be used, effectively reversing the ban.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-allows-tn-to-conduct-jallikattu/article8081472.ece|title=Centre allows Jalikattu|publisher=''[[The Hindu]]''|date=8 January 2016}}</ref>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
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[[File:Bull Taming, Alanganallur, India.jpg|thumb|200px|Bull taming in Tamil Nadu]]
[[File:Bull Taming, Alanganallur, India.jpg|thumb|200px|Bull taming in Tamil Nadu]]
There are many variants of the sport practiced in [[Tamil Nadu]]. These include ''vaṭi viraṭṭu'' where a bull being released from an enclosure need to be held on to for a predetermined distance or time to win the prize, ''vēli viraṭṭu'' where a bull is released in an open ground with players trying to tame the animal and ''vaṭam manjuviraṭṭu'' where a bull is tied to a {{convert|50|ft|m|adj=mid|-long rope}} and a team of players attempt to subdue the bull within a specific time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/15/stories/2008011553700400.htm|title=An ancient sport|publisher=''[[The Hindu]]''|access-date=13 January 2013}}</ref>
There are many variants of the sport practiced in [[Tamil Nadu]]. These include ''vaṭi viraṭṭu'' where a bull being released from an enclosure need to be held on to for a predetermined distance or time to win the prize, ''vēli viraṭṭu'' where a bull is released in an open ground with players trying to tame the animal and ''vaṭam manjuviraṭṭu'' where a bull is tied to a {{convert|50|ft|m|adj=mid|-long rope}} and a team of players attempt to subdue the bull within a specific time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/15/stories/2008011553700400.htm|title=An ancient sport|publisher=''[[The Hindu]]''|access-date=13 January 2013}}</ref>

==Cattle Breeds==
There are 7 types of cattle breeds used for Jallikattu, which are native to their region. They are



==Training and preparation==
==Training and preparation==

Revision as of 05:45, 12 January 2016

Jallikattu
Jallikattu near Madurai

Jallikattu (Tamil: சல்லிகட்டு, callikaṭṭtu) also known Eruthazhuvuthal (Tamil: ஏறுதழுவல், ērutazhuval) or Manju viraṭṭu (Tamil: மஞ்சு விரட்டு), is a bull-baiting or bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day. Bulls are bred specifically for the sporting event and a specific breed of cattle bred for this purpose is known as "Jellicut".[1]

Jallikattu was a popular sport during the Tamil classical period.[2][3] It was common among the ancient tribes who lived in the ‘Mullai’ geographical division of the ancient Tamil country.[4] The sport often results in major injuries and deaths with over human 200 deaths over the past two decades.[5] Animal activists and PETA India has protested against the sport over the years for animal cruelty.[6]

Jallikattu sport lovers and native cattle breeders claims that PETA India is against indigenous native cattle breeds and they are responsible for reduction of cow to bull ratio, which has seen a reduction after 2004. They claim Jallikattu sport will preserve the native cattle breeds from extinction, and already one of the beautiful cattle breed Alambadi is now officially extinct.[7][8] Both PETA India and Jallikattu enthusiasts have defensible positions.

In May 2014, the Supreme Court of India banned the sport citing animal welfare issues.[9] On 8 January, 2016, the Government of India passed an order exempting Jallikattu from all performances where bulls can not be used, effectively reversing the ban.[10]

Etymology

Jallikattu originated from the Tamil words Jalli and Kattu, referring to silver or gold coins tied to the bulls’ horns.[4]

History

An inscription at Government museum in Tamil Nadu

Jallikattu, which is bull-baiting or bull cuddling/holding was a popular sport amongst warriors during the Tamil classical period.[2][3] Bullfighting was common among the ancient tribes who lived in the ‘Mullai’ geographical division of the ancient Tamil country.[4] Later, it the sport became a platform for display of bravery and prize money was introduced for entertainment. A seal from the Indus Valley Civilization depicting the sport is preserved in the National Museum, New Delhi.[11] A cave painting in white kaolin discovered near Madurai depicting a lone man trying to control a bull is estimated to be about 1,500 years old.[12]

Variants

A youth trying to take control of a bull in Jallikattu at Alanganallur
Bull taming in Tamil Nadu

There are many variants of the sport practiced in Tamil Nadu. These include vaṭi viraṭṭu where a bull being released from an enclosure need to be held on to for a predetermined distance or time to win the prize, vēli viraṭṭu where a bull is released in an open ground with players trying to tame the animal and vaṭam manjuviraṭṭu where a bull is tied to a 50-foot-long rope (15 m) and a team of players attempt to subdue the bull within a specific time.[13]

Cattle Breeds

There are 7 types of cattle breeds used for Jallikattu, which are native to their region. They are


Training and preparation

The calves that are reared to become bulls are fed a nutritious diet so that they develop strong and sturdy beasts. The calves, once they reach adolescence are taken to small events to familiarize them with the atmosphere and specific training is given based on the variant of the sport it is meant for.[14] Before the bulls are released, various techniques are followed to aggravate the bulls. The bulls are often deliberately disoriented through substances like alcohol and are subjected to stabbing and poking by sharp objects, punching and have their tails twisted and bitten.[15]

Injuries and death

Major injuries and deaths may occur from the sport. From 2010 to 2014, there were approximately 1,100 injuries and 17 deaths as a result of Jallikattu events.[15] Over 200 people have died from the sport over the past two decades.[5]

Protests and ban

Artistic depiction of Jallikattu

Animal activists and PETA India has protested against the sport over the years.[6] The Animal Welfare Board of India filed a case in the Supreme Court of India for an outright ban on Jallikattu because of the cruelty to animals and the threat to public safety involved. On 27 November 2010, the Supreme Court permitted the Government of Tamil Nadu to allow Jallikattu for five months in a year and directed the District Collectors to make sure that the animals that participate in Jallikattu are registered to the Animal Welfare Board and in return the Board would send its representative to monitor over the event.[16] The Government of Tamil Nadu ordered that ₹2 lakh (US$2,400) be deposited by the organizers in case of an accident or injury during the event and enacted a rule to allow a team of veterinarians would be present at the venue for certifying the bulls for participation in the event and to provide treatment for bulls that get injured.[16]

The Ministry of Environment and Forests issued a notification in 2011 that banned the use of bulls as performing animals, thereby banning the sport.[17] But the sport was continued to be held under Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act No 27 of 2009. On 7 May 2014, the Supreme Court of India struck down the state law and banned the sport.[17] The Supreme Court noted that any flouting of the ban should result in penalties for cruelty to animals under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.[18] The court also asked the Government of India to amend the law on preventing cruelty to animals to bring bulls within its ambit. On 8 January 2016, the Ministry of Environment and Forests permitted the continuation of the sport under certain conditions effectively ending the ban.[19] Following it, petitions were filed in the Supreme Court led by the Animal Welfare Board of India challenging central government's notification, which will be heard on 12 January, 2016.[20]

Jalikattu is often shown in Tamil cinema where the hero tames the bull to prove his gallantry.[21] Some of the popular movies include:

See also

References

  1. ^ "Jellicut cattle breed" (PDF). TANUVAS. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
  2. ^ a b François Gautier. A Western Journalist on India: The Ferengi's Columns.
  3. ^ a b Grushkin, Daniel (22 March 2007). "Fearless Boys with Bulls in Avaniapuram". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 July 2008. The ritual dates back as far as 2,000 years...
  4. ^ a b c "Buzzing with bull talk". The Hindu. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ a b "Who said bullfighting is cruel?". Firstpost. 12 January 2012.
  6. ^ a b "PETA founder held in India over bullfight protest". Reuters. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  7. ^ "Jallikattu, rekla race help preserve native bull stock, say breeders - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2016-01-12.
  8. ^ "Live Chennai: Jallikattu helps native breeds thrive, say breeders,Jallikattu,breeds". livechennai.com. Retrieved 2016-01-12.
  9. ^ J.Venkatesan (8 May 2014). "Supreme Court bans Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu". The Hindu. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ "Centre allows Jalikattu". The Hindu. 8 January 2016. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ T. Subramaniam (13 January 2008). "Bull-baiting of yore". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  12. ^ "Bull chasing, an ancient Tamil tradition". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 January 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ "An ancient sport". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 January 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ "Jalikattu bull taming". Times of India. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  15. ^ a b "Why Jalikattu should be banned". IBN Live. 8 January 2016.
  16. ^ a b "1 killed in Jalikattu". sify.com. 16 January 2011.
  17. ^ a b "SC bans Jalikattu". PETA. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  18. ^ "SC bans Jallikattu bull fights in-Tamil-Nadu". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 May 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ "Centre lifts ban". The Indian Express. 8 January 2016.
  20. ^ "SC to hear AWBI's petition challenging jallikattu order". The Hindu. 11 January 2016.
  21. ^ a b c d "Rajni, Kamal did it". behindwoods.com. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  22. ^ "Mirugam movie". behindwoods.com. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
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