India has always exhibited rich culture and tradition. For years, games have been an important part of Indian culture. A good number of traditional games that exist in this present time take their origin in India.
Many traditional Indian games require less equipment, space, and fund, unlike some modern games. As a result, traditional Indian games gained much popularity around the world.
Ready to learn more? This article briefly explores the history and culture of Indian traditional games.
Ludo
This is one of the commonest traditional Indian games. Ludo originated in the 6th century from an Indian board game named Pachisi. The Pachisi game existed in the medieval era and was often played by the Mughal Emperors of India like Akbar and Baba.
Paintings of the game are exhibited on the walls of the Ajanta cave in Maharashtra.
Dragon Tiger
Dragon Tiger is similar to the popular two-card Baccarat game. The game is believed to have originated in Cambodia and has since expanded to major casinos around Asia and all over the world.
There are many Dragon Tiger games online that you can play. The various versions of the game are provided by different software developers.
Paplu
Paplu is a popular name for the Indian Rummy card game. Its history is traceable to Spain where it was known as Conquain. With the reign of the British in India, Paplu found its way here.
Snakes and Ladders
This is a game of vice and virtues used in Hindu Dharma to teach morals. The snakes depicted vice while the ladders reflected virtues. The game was introduced in the 13th century by Sant Gyandev.
In ancient India, Snakes and Ladders were known as Mokshapat, Moksha Patam, and Param Padama.
Kabaddi
The origin of Kabaddi can be traced down to pre-historic times when man began shielding in groups against animals or for survival and food. It is also believed that Kabaddi was played by princes to display strength and win their brides.
The game is one of the most popular sports in India played by villagers and people in small towns and has spread across the world.
Pallanguzhi
Pallanguzhi is also known as Pallankuli, Pallankuzhi, Pallangulli, or Pallam Kuzhi. This indoor game finds its origin in South India. It was later introduced in Malaysia and Sri Lanka where it was mostly played by women.
Gilli Danda
Also known as Lippa in some parts of India, Gilli Danda has existed for more than 2500 years dating back to the Mauryan Dynasty. The game is similar to Cricket and Baseball.
The Gilli is a small stick that needs to be hit by the danda (the longer stick).
