Jallikattu

Jallikattu

Recently, during the three-day Jallikattu event in Madurai, a bull tamer lost his life, and 75 participants sustained injuries.

  • The event, part of the Pongal harvest festival, featured 1,100 bulls and 900 tamers.

About Jallikattu

Jallikattu

  • Definition: Also known as Eruthazhuvuthal, Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport held during the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu.
  • Variations: Vadi manjuviraṭṭu, Vēli viraṭṭu, Vaṭam manjuviraṭṭu are the variants of this sport.
  • Objective: Contestants attempt to tame a bull to win a prize. If unsuccessful, the bull’s owner claims the prize.
  • Cultural Significance: Celebrates nature, expresses gratitude for a bountiful harvest, and includes cattle worship.
  • Regions: Popular in districts such as Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai, and Dindigul.
  • Breed Used: Pulikulam, native to Sivagangai district, is commonly used in Jallikattu.
  • Ancient Origins: References to bull taming are found in a seal from Mohenjodaro (2,500–1,800 BC).
  • Tamil Literature: Jallikattu is mentioned in Silappadikaram by  Ilango, a Sangam-era Tamil epic.

Jallikattu

Animal Welfare Board of India Vs A. Nagaraja Case (2014)

  • Context: The case challenged the legality of Jallikattu (bull-taming sport) in Tamil Nadu, citing animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
  • Court Verdict:
    • The Supreme Court banned Jallikattu, citing violation of animal rights and cruelty towards bulls.
    • Recognized animals’ right to live with dignity and freedom from unnecessary pain under Article 21 (Right to Life).
    • Directed stricter enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
    • Encouraged amendments to enhance animal welfare and upheld the constitutional duty under Article 51A(g) to protect living creatures

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  • Article 48A: States must improve animal welfare, safeguard wildlife, and ensure animal population growth.
  • Article 51A(g): It is a fundamental duty of citizens to show compassion for animals and protect wildlife.
  • Article 21: Right to life includes animal life, emphasizing dignity and fair treatment.
  • Article 29(1): Protects the cultural rights of citizens, including traditional practices like Jallikattu.
  • Entry 17, List III: Allows both the central and state governments to legislate on preventing cruelty to animals.

Recent Developments

  • Legal Framework: Jallikattu was banned (2014–2016) but reinstated by the Tamil Nadu government in 2017 via amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
  • Supreme Court Verdict (2023): Upheld Tamil Nadu’s law allowing Jallikattu, citing its cultural importance.

Arguments For and Against Jallikattu

Arguments For Jallikattu Arguments Against Jallikattu
Cultural Significance: Integral to Tamil Nadu’s heritage and celebrated during the Pongal harvest festival. Animal Cruelty: Causes unnecessary pain, suffering, and stress to bulls, violating animal welfare laws.
Community Involvement: Fosters community spirit, engages rural participation, and strengthens traditions. Safety Concerns: Risks to human lives and injuries to both tamers and spectators during the event.
Economic Role: Supports the rural economy by sustaining native cattle breeds like Pulikulam. Violation of Rights: Breaches animal rights to dignity and freedom from cruelty, as per Article 21.
Breed Preservation: Protects indigenous breeds, ensuring their survival and agricultural utility. Global Criticism: Faces opposition from animal welfare groups citing inhumane practices.
Legal Backing: Tamil Nadu amended laws to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions. Ethical Concerns: Questions the justification of animal exploitation for entertainment and sport.

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Similar Sports and festivals Involving Animals 

Sport/Festival State Description Occasion/Festival
Kambala Karnataka Traditional buffalo race held in water-filled paddy fields. Harvest festivals
Bullock Cart Racing Maharashtra, Punjab Bullock carts race against each other in rural fairs and festivals. Rural fairs and festivals
Cockfighting Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu Traditional rooster fights held during festive celebrations. Sankranti
Camel Racing Rajasthan Camel races showcasing speed and endurance, often during cultural fairs. Pushkar Fair and other cultural events
Dhirio Goa Traditional bullfighting sport conducted in rural areas. Local rural culture

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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