India has a rich tradition and culture and sports have always been an integral part of it. Along with the history, sports have always been a part of the mythology surrounding our country as well as its history. However, with time, the games that are played have greatly changed.
In the digital age, most children and adults are stuck to their gadgets and Play Stations and have forgotten about the traditional games that were played. And, even though our country has a bright future in sports, there are some that have been lost for many years. Take a look at a few prominent games that have helped shape our culture, as compiled by one of the best sports schools in Kolkata.
Lost Indian Sports That Everyone Should Know About
Here are some lost regional sports that Indians should know about.
- Kho Kho
This is a game of chase that was founded in Maharashtra and quickly made its way to popular culture with school children gaining interest in it. It is typically played by twelve players and the main objective is to avoid players from the other team from touching you. During the late 50s, the Kho Kho Federation was formed which has played a huge role in making the game popular across the country. The very first Kho Kho championship game was played in the year 1996 and from there on it went to become one of the most favourite games for many South Asian countries. Later, it was also included in the Indian Olympic Association and gained more fame than ever before.
- Kalaripayattu
Also commonly referred to as Kalari, Kalaripayattu is rooted in Kerela and is one of the oldest martial arts forms in the world. It was brought to the east by Buddhist monks and was popular throughout the world until other forms became more popular such as Judo and Karate. You may have come across the term “Kalari” in different Hindu texts to describe the combat arena or battlefield. The game includes two different forms. One is the southern style called Thekkan Kalari. And, the other is the northern style, also known as Vadakkan Kalari. However, over the years, there are new patterns that have developed widespread recognition which combine different elements from both styles.
- Pachisi
Pachisi, which translates to twenty-five is a circle and cross game that was founded in India during the Medieval period. It is played on a board that looks like a symmetrical cross and players put their pieces on the board which are moved around following around seven cowrie shells that are thrown. The player moves depending on the number of shells that fall with the gaps facing upwards. The game depicted the dynamics of the world politics and the shift of axis and power to the allies.
Over the years, the world’s modern cultures have transformed these traditional games. However, it’s important for us to take a step back and revive these traditional games that our ancestors played over centuries with one another. And, there are many sports schools in India where children are free to play and practice these games to keep a part of our cultural history alive.