Art historian and archaelogist K.T. Gandhirajan has unearthed around 15 out of the nearly 70 ancient rock art sites discovered in Tamil Nadu. Many of these rock art discoveries have depicted men from prehistoric times capturing bulls and attempting to tame them. According to Mr, Gandhirajan, it is this taming of the bull that eventually led to the bull-taming sport of jallikattu evolving. Speaking to The Hindu the art historian said that many of these art depictions are found across Tamil Nadu in places such as Nilgiri Hills, Palani Hills and Tuticorin. They were drawn using white clay or crushed white stone, he said. Some of the depictions were inspired by the mythical tales associated with Lord Krishna and his association with cows and bulls, Mr. Gandhirajan said. These rock art descriptions have been compiled in his recent book in Tamil on the subject of Jallikattu ' Eru Thazhuvuthal ,Jallikattu: Thonnam, Panbadu, Arasiyal'.
Embracing the bull or Eru Thazhuvuthal. Found in Alwarthirunagari, Tuticorin district at Perumal temple. Era: 17th century.
The bull is friendly after domestication. Found in Karikaiyur, Nilgiris district. Era: prehistoric period.
An attempt to catch or tame a group of bulls. Found in Karikaiyur, Nilgiris district. Era: prehistoric period.
Bull surrounded by people, shows early domestication. Found in Karikaiyur, Nilgiris district. Era: prehistoric period.
Bull surrounded by people, shows early domestication. Found in Karikaiyur, Nilgiris district. Era: prehistoric period.
Lone man trying to tame a bull. Found in Usilampatti, Madurai district. Era: prehistoric period.
Krishna taming the bull. Found in Ramanathapuram palace. Era: 18th century