கலித்தொகை முல்லைக்கலி பண்பாட்டு மரபில் ஏறுதழுவுதல்: Bull-Taming in the Cultural Tradition of Mullaikkali in Kalithokai

In Sangam literature, the Mullai landscape (pastoral region) holds a unique and significant place as it portrays the lives of pastoralists, cattle rearing, and a lifestyle harmonized with nature. Bull rearing and its associated valorous sports held a prominent place in the lifestyle of the Mullai region people. Among them, bull-taming (Erutazhuvuthal) stands as an ancient event expressing the valor and culture of the Tamils. Bull-taming is a heroic act of seizing the horns of a bull and attempting to subdue its strength. This was considered not merely a game, but a cultural event that demonstrated the courage, physical strength, and mental fortitude of the pastoral people. References to bull-taming are found in Sangam literary works such as Kalithokai (specifically Mullaikkali), Perumpāṇāṟṟuppaṭai, Malaipaṭukaṭām, and Silappatikāram. In the Mullai landscape, bulls were regarded as familial wealth and a symbol of pride. A warrior's skill in subduing a bull earned him respect in society. Literature also records the celebration of the pastoral community, where women welcomed the warriors by performing the Kuravai dance. Therefore, bull-taming is a vital cultural component that reflects the heroic spirit, nature-oriented lifestyle, cattle-rearing tradition, and social solidarity of Sangam-era Tamils. To this day, it stands as an emblem highlighting the ancient heritage and lifestyle excellence of the Tamils.