Jallikattu
has been known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period
(400-100 BC). It was common among the ancient people Aayars who lived
in the ‘Mullai’ geographical division of the ancient Tamil
country. Later, it became a platform for display of bravery and prize
money was introduced for participation encouragement. A seal from the
Indus valley civilization depicting the practice is preserved in the
national museum New Delhi. A cave painting in white kaolin discovered
near Madurai depicting a lone man trying to control a bull is
estimated to be about 2,500 years old.
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