Jallikattu is a bull-taming sport and a contested convention occasion in which a bull is released into a horde of individuals. Various humans participate and attempt to snatch the huge mound on the bull’s back with the two arms and cling to it while the bull endeavours to getaway.
Members hold the hump for as far as might be possible, trying to bring the bull to a stop. At times, members should ride till they are able to remove the flag from a bull’s horn. Jallikattu is commonly practised in Tamil Nadu as a piece of Pongal festivities in January.
What is Jallikattu? What is the History of Jallikattu?
Jallikattu has been known to be performed during the Tamil traditional period (400-100 BCE). It was common among the Ayar individuals who lived in the ‘Mullai (peaceful)’ division of the antiquated Tamil country. Afterwards, it turned into a stage for the showcase of fortitude, and prize cash was presented for participation consolation. A seal from the Indus Valley Civilization portraying Jallikattu is saved in the National Museum, New Delhi.
Why is Jallikattu Disputed?
As there were episodes of injury and death related to the game, both to the members and to the creatures constrained into animal rights associations have asked people to boycott the game. This has brought about the court restricting it a few times over the previous years. However, with the fight from the individuals against the boycott, another ordinance was made in 2017 to continue with the game.
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What are the Various Concerns Regarding Jallikattu?
The sport has caused a few human deaths and wounds and there are a few examples of fatalities to the bulls as well. Animal welfare organizations have identified concerns with the handling of the bulls before they are released into the ring and furthermore during the competition when the participants try to curb the bull.
Practices, before the bull is delivered, incorporate nudging the bull with sharp sticks or grass shearers, extraordinary bowing of the tail which can crack the vertebrae, and gnawing of the bull’s tail.
There are additional reports of the bulls being compelled to drink liquor to perplex them, or peppers being rubbed on their eyes to bother the bull. During endeavours to curb the bull, they are cut by different objects, for example, blades or sticks punched, hopped on and hauled to the ground.
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Why are Some Activists Group Seeking a Ban Over Jallikattu?
- Multiple Animal Rights Activists groups claim that Jallikattu exploits the bulls’ nature as prey animals by intentionally placing them in situations that terrify them.
- Bulls are forced to run away from the participants whom they perceive as attackers and the participants subsequently need to catch a terrified animal.
- Not only humans but bulls also get injured at times. This is considered a bad omen by many all over the country.
- An investigation conducted by the Animal Welfare Board of India concluded that Jallikattu is cruel to animals.
What are the Arguments in favour of the Sport?
Multiple historians believe that Jallikattu is not a leisure sport instead it is a way to promote and preserve the livestock of a particular area. A lot of individuals also believe that the sport symbolizes the beautiful and trusting relationship between a man and an animal.
What are the Controversies Surrounding Jallikattu?
- The Supreme Court of India had placed a ban on the sport in 2014 after the Animal Welfare Board of India and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a plea against it.
- This sparked massive protests all over Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai. The State Government insisted that Jallikattu is an important part of the state’s culture and Identity. This led the Supreme Court to lift the ban in January 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Jallikattu in UPSC Exams
- Is Jallikattu cruel to both animals and humans?
- Why did the Supreme Court reverse the Jallikattu ban?
- Which places are famous for celebrating Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu?
- Is a PETA a private or a government organization?
Conclusion
Jallikattu has emerged as one of the most talked after topics in the UPSC exams as it covers a spectrum of issues, ranging from farm debt to drought relief in the state. A lot of questions are also around whether the protesters were right and peaceful or were they violent? The right course of action for the state government was to convince the supreme court that Jallikattu does not harm animals and participants. But one question that you should ask is that can we allow popular sentiment to overturn a law passed by the apex court of the country?
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