Jallikattu
Encyclopedia
Jallikattu or Eruthazhuvuthal (Tamil
: ஏருதழுவுதல்) or Manju Virattu is a bull
taming sport
played in Tamil Nadu
as a part of Pongal
celebrations usually on Mattu Pongal
day. This is one of the oldest living ancient sports seen in the modern era. Although it sounds similar to the Spanish
running of the bulls, it is quite different. In Jallikattu, the bull is not killed and the 'matador
s' are not supposed to use any weapon. It is held in the villages of Tamil Nadu
as a part of the village festival. The festivals are held from January to July, every year. The one held in Alanganallur
, near Madurai
, is one of the more popular events. There is specific breed of cattle bred for this purpose which are called by two common name, Jellicut and from the place of a big breeder Pulikulam (புலிகுளம்).
are famous for standing up against lions and killing them. The Indian Gaur bull
is known for standing its ground against predators and tigers think twice about attacking a full grown Gaur bull. Aurochs
, the ancestor of domestic cattle was known for its pugnacious nature. The majority of Jallikattu bulls belong to the pulikulam breed of cattle. These cattle are reared in huge herds numbering in hundreds with a few cowherds tending to them. These cattle are for all practical comparisons, wild and only the cowherds can mingle with them without any fear of being attacked. It is from these herds that calves with good characteristics and body conformation are selected and reared to become Jallikattu bulls. These bulls attack not because they are irritated or agitated or frightened, but because that is their basic nature. Other breeds of cattle that are suitable for jallikattu are the palingu(or naatu) maadu, the umblachery and the malai maadu.
The term Jallikattu comes from the term Salli Kaasu (coins) and Kattu (meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money. Later days during the colonial period this term got changed to Jallikattu which is the term currently used. It is said that the Tamil people hold on to their tradition forever. It is interesting to note that there is a seal from the Indus Valley Civilization
depicting the sport. It is currently preserved in the Delhi
museum.
, the bull is not killed. There are rarely any casualties suffered by the bulls. Several animal activists object to this dangerous game every year, but so far these objections have been in vain. In fact Jallikattu is loaded against the matador
s, unlike in Spain
bullfighting. For instance, the bull's horns are sharpened and the matador cannot use any weapons.
The Animal welfare Board of India took the case to the Supreme Court, which is considering an outright ban on Jallikattu because of the cruelty to animals and the threat to public safety involved. Bulls often have chilli pepper rubbed in their eyes, are force-fed alcohol and have their testicles pinched, all in an effort to get them crazed and frantic. Villagers throw themselves on top of the terrified animals in an effort to "tame" them and claim the prize. This is opposed by animal advocates. The AWBI comfortably forget that once the game is stopped, these bulls would end up in slaughter houses in Kerala. These groups take no measure against cow slaughter or in breeding. Also there is the risk of extinction of native cattle as the bulls brought to the function also play the role of stud bulls in their localities.
People from Tamilnadu were very displeased hearing the voice to ban jallikattu which has been a cultural and religious festival. So a committee was formed called "Tamilar Veera Vilayathu Peravai" which was headed by Dr.P.Rajasekaran from madurai , a district which is famous for its jallikattu sport. Dr.P.Rajasekaran with the support of the Tamilnadu government appealed against the claim of animal welfare board in supreme court .
On November 27, 2010 the supreme court in accordance with the law enacted on the regulation of event, permitted the Tamil Nadu government to allow ‘jallikattu’ for five months in a year from January 15 .
A Bench composed of Justice Mr. R.V. Raveendran and Justice Mr.A.K. Patnaik made it clear in their order that the animals participating in the event were to be categorized as per the provisions of the Act.
The Bench also directed the District Collectors to make sure that the animals that will be participating in Jallikattu should be registered to the Animal Welfare Board and in return the Board would send its representative to monitor over the event.
The Act states that no ‘jallikattu’ would be permitted or will be carried out without the permission of the collector and such permission should be obtained one month in prior to the event and the location should also be informed to the board before hand.
Considering the report submitted to the board, which stated the statistics of 12 deaths and 1,614 injuries at the event, the Bench directed the collectors to segregate the events into smaller and larger ones and also added that large amount should be deposited when the events were set large. The Bench considers the board’s suggestion for framing the rules.
The State also responded stating that ‘Jallikattu’ is an ancient, religious and sentimental cultural game that had been conducted for more than 400 years in rural areas during Pongal in January and also for few church festivals from January to December. However, as per the law directs, the event was restricted to five months between January and May.
The State added that at present two lakhs be deposited by the organizers for the benefit of the victims which also includes the victim’s family, in case of an accident or injury during the event.
The government said that a team of veterinarians would be present at the venue for testing and certifying the bulls for participation in the event to provide treatment for bulls that gets injured.
. The most popular among them is Murattu Kalai starring Rajinikanth playing the role of a professional and the most successful bull tamer of the village. Virumaandi
, released in 2004, had Kamal Haasan
playing a more effective role, and offered the most realistic depiction. He is also known to have acted without stunt doubles.
Another single painting discovered in a cave at Kalluthu Mettupatti, about 35 km west of Madurai, between Madurai and Dindigul, shows a lone man trying to control a bull. Mr. Gandhirajan estimated that this painting, done in white kaolin, was about 1,500 years old.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jallikattu2.jpg
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
: ஏருதழுவுதல்) or Manju Virattu is a bull
Bull
Bull usually refers to an uncastrated adult male bovine.Bull may also refer to:-Entertainment:* Bull , an original show on the TNT Network* "Bull" , an episode of television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation...
taming sport
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
played in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
as a part of Pongal
Pongal
Thai Ponggal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Indian Union Territory of Pondicherry and in Sri Lanka. Pongal coincides with the festival Makara Sankranthi celebrated throughout India. Pongal in Tamil means "boiling over" or "spill over". The boiling...
celebrations usually on Mattu Pongal
Mattu Pongal
Mattu Pongal is a Hindu religious festival celebrated on the day following the Pongal festival or the Makar Sankranti festival. Though the name of the festival is specific to Tamil Nadu, in India, it is also celebrated in other southern states such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka...
day. This is one of the oldest living ancient sports seen in the modern era. Although it sounds similar to the Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
running of the bulls, it is quite different. In Jallikattu, the bull is not killed and the 'matador
Matador
A torero or toureiro is a bullfighter and the main performer in bullfighting, practised in Spain, Colombia, Portugal, Mexico, France and various other countries influenced by Spanish culture. In Spanish, the word torero describes any of the performers who actively participate in the bullfight...
s' are not supposed to use any weapon. It is held in the villages of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
as a part of the village festival. The festivals are held from January to July, every year. The one held in Alanganallur
Alanganallur
Alanganallur is a panchayat town in Madurai district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.-Description:The world famous Jallikattu is conducted here during the Pongal festival season, which occurs during the middle of January . Many people from in and around India come here during this festival to...
, near Madurai
Madurai
Madurai is the third largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It served as the capital city of the Pandyan Kingdom. It is the administrative headquarters of Madurai District and is famous for its temples built by Pandyan and...
, is one of the more popular events. There is specific breed of cattle bred for this purpose which are called by two common name, Jellicut and from the place of a big breeder Pulikulam (புலிகுளம்).
Introduction
Jallikattu is based on the simple concept of "flight or fight or sometimes freeze". Cattle being herd and prey animals in general tend to run away from unwanted situations. But there are quite noteworthy exceptions. Cape buffalosAfrican Buffalo
The African buffalo, affalo, nyati, Mbogo or Cape buffalo is a large African bovine. It is not closely related to the slightly larger wild Asian water buffalo, but its ancestry remains unclear...
are famous for standing up against lions and killing them. The Indian Gaur bull
Gaur
The gaur , also called Indian bison, is a large bovine native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986 as the population decline in parts of the species' range is likely to be well over 70% over the last three generations...
is known for standing its ground against predators and tigers think twice about attacking a full grown Gaur bull. Aurochs
Aurochs
The aurochs , the ancestor of domestic cattle, were a type of large wild cattle which inhabited Europe, Asia and North Africa, but is now extinct; it survived in Europe until 1627....
, the ancestor of domestic cattle was known for its pugnacious nature. The majority of Jallikattu bulls belong to the pulikulam breed of cattle. These cattle are reared in huge herds numbering in hundreds with a few cowherds tending to them. These cattle are for all practical comparisons, wild and only the cowherds can mingle with them without any fear of being attacked. It is from these herds that calves with good characteristics and body conformation are selected and reared to become Jallikattu bulls. These bulls attack not because they are irritated or agitated or frightened, but because that is their basic nature. Other breeds of cattle that are suitable for jallikattu are the palingu(or naatu) maadu, the umblachery and the malai maadu.
History
Jallikattu, which is bull-baiting or bull fighting, is an ancient Tamilian tradition called Eruthazhuvuthal, popular amongst warriors during the Tamil classical period. According to legend, in olden days the game was used by women to choose their husbands. Successful "matadors" were chosen as grooms.The term Jallikattu comes from the term Salli Kaasu (coins) and Kattu (meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money. Later days during the colonial period this term got changed to Jallikattu which is the term currently used. It is said that the Tamil people hold on to their tradition forever. It is interesting to note that there is a seal from the Indus Valley Civilization
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization that was located in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, consisting of what is now mainly modern-day Pakistan and northwest India...
depicting the sport. It is currently preserved in the Delhi
Delhi
Delhi , officially National Capital Territory of Delhi , is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest by population in India, next to Mumbai. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants in the Territory at the 2011 Census...
museum.
Variants
There are three versions of jallikattu:- Vadi manju virattu - this version takes place mostly in the districtsDistricts of IndiaA district is an administrative division of an Indian state or territory. Districts are further subdivided, in some cases into Sub-Divisions, and otherwise directly into tehsils or talukas.District officials include:...
of MaduraiMadurai DistrictMadurai district is one of the 32 districts of the state of Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India. The city of Madurai serves as the district headquarters. It houses the world famous Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple and is situated on the banks of river Vaigai. Thiruparankundram is one of the major...
, PudukkottaiPudukkottai DistrictPudukkottai District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Pudukkottai is the district headquarters...
, TheniTheni DistrictTheni District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in South India. The city of Theni is the district headquarters. The district is divided into two natural divisions: The hilly areas constituted by parts of the three taluks Periyakulam, Uthamapalayam and Andipatti with thick vegetation and...
, ThanjavurThanjavur DistrictThanjavur District is one of the 32 districts of the state of Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India. Its headquarters is Thanjavur.-Geography:...
, SalemSalem DistrictSalem District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Salem is the district headquarters. Other major towns in the district are Mettur, Omalur and Attur...
. this version that has been popularised by television and movies involves the bull being released from an enclosure with an opening. as the bull comes out of the enclosure, one person clings to the hump of the bull. the bull in its attempt to shake him off will bolt (as in most cases), but some will hook the guy with their horns and throw him off. the rules specify that the person has to hold on to the running bull for a predetermined distance to win the prize. in this version, only one person is supposed to attempt catching the bull. but this rule being strictly enforced depends on the village where the event is conducted and more importantly, the bull himself. some bulls acquire a reputation and that alone is enough for them to be given an unhindered passage out of the enclosure and arena..
- Vaeli virattu - this version is more popular in the districts of Sivagangai, and MaduraiMadurai DistrictMadurai district is one of the 32 districts of the state of Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India. The city of Madurai serves as the district headquarters. It houses the world famous Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple and is situated on the banks of river Vaigai. Thiruparankundram is one of the major...
. the bull is released in an open ground. this version is the most natural as the bulls are not restricted in any way (no rope or determined path). the bulls once released just run away from the field in any direction that they prefer. most don't even come close to any human. but there are a few bulls that don't run but stand their ground and attack anyone who tries to come near them. these bulls will "play" for some time (from a few minutes to a couple of hours) providing a spectacle for viewers, players and owners alike.
- Vadam manjuvirattu - "vadam" means rope in Tamil. the bull is tied to a 50 feet (15.2 m) and is free to move within this space. a team of 7 or 9 members must attempt to subdue the bull within 30 minutes. this version is very safe for spectators as the bull is tied and the spectators are shielded by barricades.
Training of jallikattu bulls
The calves that are chosen to become jallikattu bulls are fed a nutritious diet so that they develop into strong, sturdy beasts. the bulls are made to swim for exercise. The calves, once they reach adolescence are taken to small jallikattu events to familiarize them with the atmosphere. Specific training is given to vadam manju virattu bulls to understand the restraints of the rope. apart from this, no other training is provided to jallikattu bulls. Once the bulls are released, then instinct takes over.Controversy
Injuries and even deaths occur in Jallikattu. In 2004, at least 5 people were reported dead and several hundreds injured in various villages. Two hundred have died over the past two decades. Unlike in spanish bullfightingBullfighting
Bullfighting is a traditional spectacle of Spain, Portugal, southern France and some Latin American countries , in which one or more bulls are baited in a bullring for sport and entertainment...
, the bull is not killed. There are rarely any casualties suffered by the bulls. Several animal activists object to this dangerous game every year, but so far these objections have been in vain. In fact Jallikattu is loaded against the matador
Matador
A torero or toureiro is a bullfighter and the main performer in bullfighting, practised in Spain, Colombia, Portugal, Mexico, France and various other countries influenced by Spanish culture. In Spanish, the word torero describes any of the performers who actively participate in the bullfight...
s, unlike in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
bullfighting. For instance, the bull's horns are sharpened and the matador cannot use any weapons.
The Animal welfare Board of India took the case to the Supreme Court, which is considering an outright ban on Jallikattu because of the cruelty to animals and the threat to public safety involved. Bulls often have chilli pepper rubbed in their eyes, are force-fed alcohol and have their testicles pinched, all in an effort to get them crazed and frantic. Villagers throw themselves on top of the terrified animals in an effort to "tame" them and claim the prize. This is opposed by animal advocates. The AWBI comfortably forget that once the game is stopped, these bulls would end up in slaughter houses in Kerala. These groups take no measure against cow slaughter or in breeding. Also there is the risk of extinction of native cattle as the bulls brought to the function also play the role of stud bulls in their localities.
People from Tamilnadu were very displeased hearing the voice to ban jallikattu which has been a cultural and religious festival. So a committee was formed called "Tamilar Veera Vilayathu Peravai" which was headed by Dr.P.Rajasekaran from madurai , a district which is famous for its jallikattu sport. Dr.P.Rajasekaran with the support of the Tamilnadu government appealed against the claim of animal welfare board in supreme court .
On November 27, 2010 the supreme court in accordance with the law enacted on the regulation of event, permitted the Tamil Nadu government to allow ‘jallikattu’ for five months in a year from January 15 .
A Bench composed of Justice Mr. R.V. Raveendran and Justice Mr.A.K. Patnaik made it clear in their order that the animals participating in the event were to be categorized as per the provisions of the Act.
The Bench also directed the District Collectors to make sure that the animals that will be participating in Jallikattu should be registered to the Animal Welfare Board and in return the Board would send its representative to monitor over the event.
The Act states that no ‘jallikattu’ would be permitted or will be carried out without the permission of the collector and such permission should be obtained one month in prior to the event and the location should also be informed to the board before hand.
Considering the report submitted to the board, which stated the statistics of 12 deaths and 1,614 injuries at the event, the Bench directed the collectors to segregate the events into smaller and larger ones and also added that large amount should be deposited when the events were set large. The Bench considers the board’s suggestion for framing the rules.
The State also responded stating that ‘Jallikattu’ is an ancient, religious and sentimental cultural game that had been conducted for more than 400 years in rural areas during Pongal in January and also for few church festivals from January to December. However, as per the law directs, the event was restricted to five months between January and May.
The State added that at present two lakhs be deposited by the organizers for the benefit of the victims which also includes the victim’s family, in case of an accident or injury during the event.
The government said that a team of veterinarians would be present at the venue for testing and certifying the bulls for participation in the event to provide treatment for bulls that gets injured.
Artistic depictions
The event has fascinated movie makers for decades. Several movies featuring Jallikattu have been made in TamilTamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
. The most popular among them is Murattu Kalai starring Rajinikanth playing the role of a professional and the most successful bull tamer of the village. Virumaandi
Virumaandi
Virumaandi is a 2004 Tamil film written and directed by, and starring Kamal Haasan. The film revolves around two criminals, Virumaandi and Kothala Thevar , being interviewed. They express how they feel about the direction their lives have taken and how they have ended up where they are. The film...
, released in 2004, had Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is an Indian film actor, screenwriter and director, considered to be one of the leading method actors of Indian cinema. He is widely acclaimed as an actor and is well known for his versatility in acting...
playing a more effective role, and offered the most realistic depiction. He is also known to have acted without stunt doubles.
Another single painting discovered in a cave at Kalluthu Mettupatti, about 35 km west of Madurai, between Madurai and Dindigul, shows a lone man trying to control a bull. Mr. Gandhirajan estimated that this painting, done in white kaolin, was about 1,500 years old.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jallikattu2.jpg
See also
- Bull-leapingBull-leapingBull-leaping is a motif of Middle Bronze Age figurative art, notably of Minoan Crete, but also found in Hittite Anatolia, the Levant, Bactria and the Indus Valley. It is often interpreted as a depiction of a ritual performed in connection with bull worship...
- Running of the bulls in Spain