Volume V Special Issue IV October 2025

Name of Author : Dr. Lisa Pavithran

Title of the paper : A Deep Ecological Analysis of Jallikattu

Abstract: Deep Ecology is an environmental philosophy coined by Arne Naess that promotes an ecocentric view, asserting that nature has intrinsic value and that all living beings have the right to live and flourish, independent of human utility. Jallikattu is a centuries old bull taming sport in Tamil agrarian culture. It is practiced in rural Tamil Nadu, especially during Pongal, the harvest festival where a bull is released into a crowd of men, and participants attempt to grab its hump and hold on as long as possible. The aim is not to kill the bull, but to showcase bravery and masculinity. The Malayalam movie Jallikettu, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery echoes this practice. It tells the story of a buffalos escapade from a slaughterhouse in a village in Kerala. The title is symbolic of the struggle between man and beast and highlights the savage instincts of humanity.

Keywords : Ecocentric, Anthropocentrism, Jallikettu, Savagery, Revenge

DOI :

Page Number : 165-167