Context:
Recently, Bengaluru held its first Kambala race, with 159 pairs of buffaloes and their jockeys racing through the specially made slush tracks in the city’s Palace Grounds.
Relevance:
GS II: Polity and Governance
Dimensions of the Article:
- Kambala: Coastal Karnataka’s Traditional Buffalo Race
- Kambala Ban, Repeal, and Caste Discrimination: Unraveling the Narrative
Kambala: Coastal Karnataka’s Traditional Buffalo Race
- Folk Sport: Kambala is a traditional folk sport primarily practiced in coastal Karnataka districts, especially in regions with a majority of Tulu speakers.
- Historical Context: Originally hosted by families in sludgy fields post-paddy harvest, it has evolved with various Kambala Samithis now organizing events.
Organizing Bodies:
- Kambala Samithis: These organizing bodies host weekly events from November to April in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
- Community Involvement: Families, particularly from the Bunt community, take pride in participating, grooming buffaloes throughout the year for the races.
Categories of Kambala:
- Negilu (Plough): Entry-level category using light ploughs to tie buffaloes for the race.
- Hagga (Rope): Buffaloes raced by jockeys with only a rope tying the pair together.
- Adda Halage: Jockeys stand on a horizontal plank dragged by buffaloes, offering a unique twist to the traditional format.
- Kane Halage: Wooden plank tied to buffaloes with water holes, and the winner is determined by the height of water splashes.
Cultural Significance:
- Prestige and Pride: Kambala holds cultural significance, especially for the Bunt community, with families investing efforts to win events.
- Symbol of Tradition: Reflects the rich cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka and serves as a showcase of traditional practices.
Kambala Ban, Repeal, and Caste Discrimination: Unraveling the Narrative
Ban by Supreme Court:
- Animal Rights Petition: Various organizations, including PETA, filed a petition against traditional sports, alleging animal abuse.
- Complaint Against Kambala: Allegations of cruelty, such as tying buffalo noses with ropes and continuous whipping during races, led to Kambala’s ban by the Supreme Court in 2014.
- Parallel Ruling: Jallikattu and bullock cart racing were also banned based on Sections 3, 11(1)(a), and (m) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Ban Reversal and Amendments:
- 2016 Notification: MoEF&CC issued a notification prohibiting bull exhibitions but carved exceptions for events like Jallikattu and Bullock Cart Races in specific states based on cultural practices.
- State Amendments: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to provide exemptions for these events. A Constitutional Bench upheld these amendments in May 2023.
Caste Discrimination Accusations:
- Historical Context: Koraga community members, historically considered untouchable, were mistreated before Kambala events.
- Contemporary Criticism: Critics argue that dominant caste groups control the sport, perpetuating caste discrimination, with lower-caste individuals relegated to menial roles during the event.
Evolution of Kambala:
- Cultural Heritage: Despite challenges, Kambala remains a vital cultural tradition in coastal Karnataka.
- Shift in Dynamics: Ongoing discussions aim to address caste-related issues, ensuring a more inclusive and respectful environment during Kambala festivities.
-Source: The Hindu
