Cultural Perspective on “Erudhazhuval” (Traditional Bull Hugging)

பண்பாடு நோக்கில் ஏறு தழுவல்

Abstract

“Erudhazhuval” is a traditional game closely associated with pastoral societies and forms an important cultural identity of Tamil society. From hunting communities to today’s urbanized society, the domestication and care of livestock laid the foundation for several social transformations. The cultivation of grains for livestock preceded field agriculture, and alongside it, the growth of handicrafts and artisanal production contributed to surplus production. This surplus gave rise to distinct social classes such as laborers, ploughmen, and skilled workers. The pastoral society did not evolve easily; people collectively adapted wild animals like bulls and oxen to domesticated roles. Scholars note that India has a particularly long history of domesticating oxen compared to other nations, which has influenced its cultural and agricultural development.