Jalikattu

Question 1

What is Jallikattu?

Answer 1

It is a bull-taming sport and a disputed traditional event in which a bull such is released into a crowd of people.

It is also known as Manju Virattu or Eru Thazhuvuthal.

Multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull’s back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape.

Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull’s horns.

It is typically practised in the state of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal (harvest) celebrations in January.

Question 2

History

Answer 2

-Has mention in sangam literature

Jallikattu has been known to be practised during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE).

It was common among the Ayar people who lived in the ‘Mullai (pastoral)’ division of the ancient Tamil country.

Later, it became a platform for the display of bravery, and prize money was introduced for participation encouragement.

A seal from the Indus Valley Civilization depicting the practise is preserved in the National Museum, New Delhi.