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Ancient 'Bull-Taming' Arena Unearthed in Madurai Provides 2,000-Year-Old Evidence for Jallikattu Origins

📅 April 8, 2026 📰 The Indian Heritage Journal
Ancient 'Bull-Taming' Arena Unearthed in Madurai Provides 2,000-Year-Old Evidence for Jallikattu Origins

A 2,000-year-old stone structure identified as a bull-taming arena has been discovered near the Keeladi excavation site, providing the first physical evidence for the ancient roots of the Jallikattu festival. The site features tiered stone seating and a narrow entry passage known as a vadi vassal.

Archaeologists found terracotta figurines of bulls and warriors within the sediment layers, dating back to the Sangam Era. This find confirms that the tradition of demonstrating valor through cattle-taming was a highly organized communal event even in antiquity.

Original source: The Indian Heritage Journal