India is the birthplace of some fascinating sports that have stood the test of time. From brainy battles to high-energy chases, here is our round-up of six traditional Indian sports that are as fun today as they were centuries ago.
1. Chess: Originating in India around the 6th
century, chess is believed to have evolved from the Indian game Chaturanga,
simulating a battle between four divisions of the army. It spread to Persia,
where it became known as Shatranj, and eventually reached Europe, evolving into
the modern game of chess. Checkmate!
2. Kabaddi:
This fierce, fast-paced sport involves one player attempting to tag as many
opponents as possible without taking a breath. With roots dating back to
ancient times, kabaddi is mentioned in the Indian epic Mahabharata. It was
played to display physical prowess and has evolved over time into the modern
form played competitively today.
3. Polo: Originating in Manipur, India, polo dates
back to the 3rd century BC. Initially, it was played as a training game for
cavalry units, with players riding on horseback and using mallets to score
goals. It later spread to other regions, including Persia and China, before
gaining popularity in Europe.
4. Parcheesi: This board game is a desi version of
Ludo, where you roll dice and race your pieces around the board. It was often
played by the Indian royalty and is mentioned in ancient texts like the
Mahabharata. The game spread to other regions and evolved into various modern
board games.
5. Gilli Danda: This game involves grabbing a stick,
hitting a smaller stick (the gilli), and sending it flying. You need to run
like the wind to score points. Its origins can be traced back to rural
communities where it was a popular pastime.
6. Kho-Kho: Two teams chase and dodge each other, trying to tag opponents before time runs out. This turbocharged game of tag is believed to have originated in Maharashtra, India, in the 19th century. It was included in the Indian Olympic Games in 1938 and has since become a popular sport played competitively in India and other countries.
From chess’s intricate strategies to kabaddi’s adrenaline-pumping rushes, each sport reflects a deep-rooted history and tradition that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Celebrate these timeless treasures of Indian heritage.