Jallikattu

The traditional bull-taming game practised in Tamil Nadu is popularly known as Jallikattu. It is a popular tradition during the Pongal celebrations on the day of Mattu Pongal, which is the third day of the 4day long Pongal events. The words’ Jallikattu’ are from the Tamil words’ jalli’ and ‘kattu.’ Gold or silver coins are referred to as Jalli. The word kattu means ‘tied.’ As a result, it relates to money tied to the bulls’ horns, which are regarded as the prize for whoever tames the bull. The winning bull services many cows, preserving the local breed.

The History of Jallikattu

The history of Jallikattu dates back a long time. Some evidence to back its predominant existence is listed below:

• It is thought that Jalikattu has been practised for at least 2500 years.
• The National Museum in New Delhi has a seal from the Indus Valley civilisation exhibiting the technique.
• Archaeologists think a cave picture depicting a man attempting to tame a bull is 2500 years old.
• In Silappatikaram, one of the five major Tamil epics, and two other ancient literary works, Kalithogai and Malaipadukadaam, alludes to individuals enjoying observing and engaging in Jallikattu.

What Is Jallikattu for the Tamils?

Farmers rely heavily on Jallikattu. It’s an opportunity for them to show off their strength, the strength of their bulls, their affection for their cattle and how well they’ve cared for them, and find the most potent bull to mate with their cows. For Tamils, Jallikattu is a tradition that emphasises the identity of the hardworking, self-sufficient, and powerful Tamil. Jallikattu also represents a friendly man-animal bond.

Why is Jallikattu Opposed?

In the early 1990s, India’s court disputes over animal rights problems erupted. In 1991, the Environment Ministry issued a notification prohibiting the training and display of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, and dogs, which was challenged in the Delhi High Court by the Indian Circus Organisation. Dogs were omitted from the notification in 1998. 

Those who know what Jallikattu is, also know that in this game, bulls are purposefully placed in a terrible position in which they must flee from a horde of men. The bulls are so terrified that they jump off barricades in desperation, resulting in devastating injuries. Participants and onlookers are also put in danger. Alcohol, spears, knives, sickles, and even chilli powder are frequently thrown at the eyes of the bulls to incite them. This shows a simple case of animal cruelty.

Another major issue surrounding Jallikattu is betting on the bulls.

Why Is Jallikattu Banned and Judgements on Jallikattu?

The history of the Jallikattu ban is long and complex, so to keep track, let’s look at the course of developments that took place regarding this issue:

• Since 2006, there has been an on-and-off ban on Jallikattu.
• After a young spectator’s death, the Madras High Court outlawed it in 2006.
• With the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009, the prohibition was repealed in 2009.
• In 2011, the Center’s Environment Ministry issued a notice explicitly referencing ‘bulls.’
• However, the Jallikattu tradition persisted even after the 2011 notice due to the Tamil Nadu Regulation Act 27 of 2009.
• The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a petition when it was discovered that the laws were not being followed and that bulls were being exposed to abuse as defined by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
• The Supreme Court outlawed Jallikattu in 2014, and the 2009 statute was repealed.
• In January 2016, the federal environment ministry reversed the prohibition by releasing a notification months before the Tamil Nadu elections in what may be considered a blatant political manoeuvre.
• The Supreme Court halted this 2016 Union Government announcement in January 2016 after the AWBI and PETA filed a lawsuit challenging it. The matter is still being heard, and the Court has yet to decide.

Since then, the continuation of Jallikattu has become a controversial and debatable issue that is yet to be resolved, and the landscape of Jallikattu has since then been riddled with protests and unresolved rulings.

Defence for the Practice and Judgements on Jallikattu

The arguments of supporters include:

• The bull is a family member for Tamilians, and it helps them create their identity as industrious, self-sufficient, and powerful Tamilians.
• Supporters of Jallikattu contend that the Supreme Court cannot prohibit a 2500-year-old custom based on these minor flaws.
• Farmers will be compelled to forsake growing local cattle if the sport is outlawed, which is already endangered due to the widespread use of motor pumps, tractors, and mechanised agriculture.

Conclusion

Thus, while understanding what is Jallikattu, we could see the humane problem with the age-old tradition, which cannot be easily disregarded due to its sentimental value to the Tamilians. Hence, it is pretty understandable why the Indian courts have struggled with this issue for such a long time.