Here Is What You Need To Know About The Raging "Jallikattu" Debate In Tamil Nadu!

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Here Is What You Need To Know About The Raging "Jallikattu" Debate In Tamil Nadu!

These last few days we have all been hearing so much about 'Jallikattu'. The allegedly cruel sport that is prevalent in Tamil Nadu. All we knew was that the Supreme Court had issued a ban on this ancient cultural event and the people of Tamil Nadu have taken to the streets in an inspiring silent protest. This was enough to hold anyone's interest. With tollywood stars Mahesh Babu & Pawan Kalyan tweeting to extend their support for this cause, my curiosity had reached its zenith. I needed to understand what all the hue and cry was all about.

Jallikattu is a traditional sport practiced across Tamil Nadu and some other parts of Southern India. The word Jallikattu is derived from Tamil words 'Salli Kaasu' (Coins) & 'Kattu' (the act of tying). The word came from the practice of tying a bag of coins to the horns of the bull which one had to retrieve to be adjudged the winner. This sport is played on the day of "Maattu Pongal" after the Pongal festival every year with great gusto. A wild untamed bull is let into an arena full of enthusiastic participants who try to tame the bull or at the very least try to hang by its hump for a certain period of time.

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You may ask why any of us needs to worry about this whole issue. This is all happening in Tamil Nadu, why do we need to bother? Right? No. Not at all Right! Something similar had happened right here. I am talking about when 'Kodipandaalu' were banned. A small section of people tried to muster a protest but failed to stand up. That was a massive dent to our poultry industry. That ban had hit us hard on our heritage and traditions and we didn't even bat an eye-lid.

This whole issue began when PeTA India filed a legal motion asking this 'cruel' sport to be banned citing "Animal Cruelty" as the reason. Now, PeTA is an organisation that has been fighting for cause of Animal rights across the globe with some highly laudable protests. They showed several incriminating proofs about the kind of torture that is allegedly meted out to these animals in the name of sport. They submitted evidence of Lemon's being sprinkled into the eyes of these animals, burning, poking with sharp objects, making the animal consume liquor and other activities which were done in order get the bull agitated and ready for the game. The Supreme Court went ahead and banned this practice to stop such cruelty being meted out to these innocent animals.

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This was when the entire Tamil population rose up. They began accusing PeTA of conspiracy. Frankly, it is the duty of every Indian citizen to respect the decision of the Apex court. However, the issue of Jallikattu seems to warrant another shot as justice may not have been served entirely. Or so the people of Tamil Nadu claim in their protest. For them, Jallikattu is more than just another sport. It is a symbol that is at the heart of their ancient culture.

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This sport also finds a mention in Sangam Literature. There it is called "Eru Thazhuvuthal" which translates to 'Hugging the Bulls'. The practice of Jallikattu has been prevalent for thousands of years, the current name however originated recently during the colonial period. This sport supposedly originates as a way to exhibit the best and most virile of livestock. The bulls were bred separately for this purpose and kept removed from contact with humans as much as possible. The bulls that were tamed during Jallikattu would then be sent for domesticated activities like farming. The untamed bulls were deemed to be superior and hence used for crossing with the cows to produce good strong cattle.

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The cows are a domesticated species, without this practice future generations of livestock may grow up weak and eventually lead to the dwindling of the species. Evolution is all about 'Survival of the fittest'. The breeding process requires alpha's which can effectively carry out the procreation of the species. Maybe maintaining the gene pool of indigenous animals was the main motive behind the whole thing.

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This argument has been raging on with both sides refusing to back off. Animal rights activists claim that any cruelty to animals will not be tolerated. Tamils on the other hand, see this as a conspiracy to whittle down the bull numbers making the farmers dependent on corporate practices of artificial insemination. Popular Tamil Rapper Hiphop Tamizha released a single track attempting to show his thoughts on this issue. The track had excerpts of interviews with a few farmers at the end. They all refuted claims of animal cruelty and claimed that these animals were brought up as a part of their family. The farmers were all deeply attached to their livestock and laughed off claims that they would harm or inebriate them. They even spoke about how they could not afford to fight the Apex court due to financial reasons. Do check it out with the subtitles.

This may or may not be some conspiracy as claimed by the Tamil people, but banning the sport on the basis of a flimsy charge like Animal Cruelty seems just a little too much. Firstly, the torturing and goading of these animals only began in modern times with the events starting to encourage corporate sponsorship and cash prizes entering the equation. If hugging the bulls and hanging by their hump for sport is animal cruelty, then so is neutering street dogs. Somehow, we don't see people protesting to stop this monstrosity against dogs. Clearly, the emotional damage to the dog is greater than the physical trauma in this case.

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Additionally, if the Jallikattu bull is being subjected to trauma and fear as the activists claim, then just imagine the plight of the Jersey cows in large factories which are force fed chemicals and milked for long as it is possible and then sent on to the slaughter houses. This doesn't make Jallikattu any less 'cruel' than it already is, but just offering a perspective here. The Pro-Banners seem very far removed from the culture and heritage of the land down here.

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The only plausible practical solution to all of this is to make this a more regulated and inclusive affair instead of banning it outright. Events need to be under scrutiny of an independent body which respects the spirit in which this whole thing is done.

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Here's what twitter had to say about this whole issue.

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