From mathematical formulas to scientific discoveries, India has a wonderful reputation for creating numerous new innovations and thoughts that have changed the globe. Yoga, Ayurveda, and even sports have seen a significant increase in global inventions during the past few years. Even though many current games are played all over the world now, India is where they actually originated.
List of popular games that originated in India-
- Judo and Karate – two famous forms of martial arts performed all over the world. Both these games are claimed to have originated in ancient India, adopted by Buddhist monks.
- Ludo – one of the most popular games of our childhood, has its roots in India. It is believed that Ludo, earlier known as Pachisi, originated in India. It comes from the story of the Pandavas and Kauravas. It was later played during the Mughal era as well. According to the scriptures, Akbar was very fascinated by this game. In the British era, some of the rules were changed by the Britishers. They added dice to it. Today it is popularly known as “Ludo” and is played all across the world.
- Snakes and Ladders – the game popularly known as “Saanp Sidhi” in India, originated in this country alone. Earlier, it was known by different names such as Gyan Chaupar, Mokshapat, and Moksha Patamu. Just like Ludo, it was later patented by Britishers and then became famous all over the world.
- Kho-Kho – the popular game of rural India as well as urban India, originated in India. The main emphasis is on running and chasing, which historians claim is identical to riding in chariots, or “raths,” as Indian monarchs called them.
- Kabbadi – the most famous of all the games that originated in India. It is believed to have originated in India some 4,000 years ago. There is no evidence yet to prove its origin. It’s a popular game in rural India. It requires power, along with some wrestling skills, to defeat the opponent. It is famous in other Asian countries as well.
- Chess – it is the most famous indoor game in the world. It is loved by everyone. It has its origin in India. One of the royal games in India, it was originally known as Ashtapada. Its previous name under the Gupta dynasty was Chaturanga. Later, when Persians travelled to India and were first exposed to the game, they adopted it and gave it the name Shatranj. Though there are other board games that resemble chess throughout Indian history, chess is still one of the most well-known and was later popularised worldwide by the British.
- Polo – a game not many people know about, basically has its origins in India. Polo was once known as Elephant Polo and is thought to have originated in Manipur in ancient India. According to historians, the game was played in 33 AD by the Mongols of Manipur, as recorded in the Cheitharon Kumpapa court chronicle. Later, the game gained popularity because Britishers in India adored playing it.
- Cards – the game Krida-Patram, which originated in ancient India and is now played practically everywhere in the world, was previously known as cards. They are primarily mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata legends. Later, when the game was brought to royal families and the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century, they gave it the name Ganjifa. The cards were constructed of tortoiseshell or ivory and embellished with pearls and priceless metals at this time. Later, as time went on, the game underwent a transformation and became known as cards.
- Bullfighting – this game belongs to the Tamil Nadu state of India. Some of its names are Jallikattu, Manju Virattu, and Eruthazhuvathal. One of the most popular sports in Tamil culture, the game is played during Pongal celebrations. According to the game, the bravery of the player who defeats the bull and receives a prize is demonstrated.
- Carrom – a popular strike-and-pocket table game played in South Asia and a few Middle-Eastern nations, is thought to have originated in the Indian subcontinent. The game is supposed to have been created by Indian Maharajas centuries ago, albeit there is no concrete evidence to support this. A vintage glass carrom board can be found in Patiala, Punjab. Carrom became popular and is still enjoyed by many at social or family events.
Written by Garima Tak