Rock art discoveries in Tamil Nadu have depicted prehistoric men capturing bulls and attempting to tame them
Art historian and archaelogist K.T. Gandhirajan has unearthed around 15 out of the nearly 70 ancient rock art sites discovered in Tamil Nadu. Many of these rock art discoveries have depicted men from prehistoric times capturing bulls and attempting to tame them. According to Mr, Gandhirajan, it is this taming of the bull that eventually led to the bull-taming sport of jallikattu evolving. Speaking to
The Hindu the art historian said that many of these art depictions are found across Tamil Nadu in places such as Nilgiri Hills, Palani Hills and Tuticorin. They were drawn using white clay or crushed white stone, he said. Some of the depictions were inspired by the mythical tales associated with Lord Krishna and his association with cows and bulls, Mr. Gandhirajan said. These rock art descriptions have been compiled in his recent book in Tamil on the subject of Jallikattu '
Eru Thazhuvuthal ,Jallikattu: Thonnam, Panbadu, Arasiyal'.
Embracing the bull or Eru Thazhuvuthal. Found in Alwarthirunagari, Tuticorin district at Perumal temple. Era: 17th century. Photo: Special Arrangement
The bull is friendly after domestication. Found in Karikaiyur, Nilgiris district. Era: prehistoric period. Photo: Special Arrangement
An attempt to catch or tame a group of bulls. Found in Karikaiyur, Nilgiris district. Era: prehistoric period. Photo: Special Arrangement
Bull surrounded by people, shows early domestication. Found in Karikaiyur, Nilgiris district. Era: prehistoric period. Photo: Special Arrangement
Bull surrounded by people, shows early domestication. Found in Karikaiyur, Nilgiris district. Era: prehistoric period. Photo: Special Arrangement
Lone man trying to tame a bull. Found in Usilampatti, Madurai district. Era: prehistoric period. Photo: Special Arrangement
Krishna taming the bull. Found in Ramanathapuram palace. Era: 18th century Photo: Special Arrangement
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...es-a-boon-as-well-as-bane/article17070386.ece
The protest in support of jallikattu has also triggered a debate on the import of Jersey cows for the cattle breeding programme.
It is argued that the exotic species would eradicate native breeds, but the fact is that that Jersey and Holstein Fresian cattle were brought into the the country almost four decades ago as part of Operation Flood Phase I and Operation Flood Phase II that helped the country secure the status as one of the top milk producers in the world.
“We agree that exotic species does pose grave threats to native species. But we could not have achieved the breakthrough in milk production without the cross-breeding programme as the yield of local breeds have always been less,” a scientist of the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) said.
In Tamil Nadu, he explained, there are five region-specific breeds and they are bred for agricultural activities, including ploughing and pulling carts.
Pulikulam, a native of the Madurai region, is normally used in jallikatu, while Umblacherry belongs to the Cauvery delta. Kangeyam, (used in jallikattu) a majestic breed from the Kongu region, has survived because of specific efforts. Bargur and Alambadi breeds are facing the threat of extinction.
The exotic species came into picture when the country launched the White Revolution. Jerseys, capable of withstanding heat, were introduced in plain areas and Holstein Friesian in the hilly regions. Besides the cross-breeding programme, the Murrah buffaloes from Haryana and the Niliravi buffaloes from Punjab helped India become one of the top milk producers.
“Exotic breeds proved to be both as a boon and bane. Even though cross-breeding increased milk yield, there are issues such as providing more and diverse feeds to animals. The animals are also more prone to diseases, and need multiple efforts at insemination as they have a low conception rate. The programme also diluted the native breeds, because instead of using nondescript breeds for cross-breeding programme, we used well-defined breeds like Kangeyam and others,” said a K. N. Raja, senior scientist of the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resource (NBAGR).
Cross-breeding
TANUVAS scientists said the country could opt for cross-breeding involving Red Sindhi, Tharparker and Sahiwal cattle instead of the exotic species. “But it will take another forty years to achieve full success as full yield will be possible only in the ninth generation of breeding,” they said.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/592538/all-efforts-fulfil-cultural-aspirations.html
A day after the Centre cleared the jallikattu ordinance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said all efforts are being made to fulfil the cultural aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu.
"We are very proud of the rich culture of Tamil Nadu. All efforts are being made to fulfil the cultural aspirations of Tamil people," he tweeted.
Modi said the central government is fully committed to the progress of Tamil Nadu and will always work to ensure the state scales new avenues of progress.
His statement came a day after the Centre, moving swiftly, cleared a draft ordinance to allow jallikattu, paving the way for Tamil Nadu to promulgate it to end the widespread protests that have paralysed the state for last five days.
The Union ministries of Home, Law and Environment cleared the ordinance last night.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Paneerselvam had met the Prime Minister day before yesterday to seek ordinance.