Game On

FOR THOSE WHO MOAN THE FACT THAT CHILDREN KEEP THEIR NOSES BURIED IN IPADS AND COMPUTERS, HERE ARE A RANGE OF INDIAN GAMES THAT WILL KEEP THEM OCCUPIED AND SHARPEN A SKILL OR TWO, AS WELL

 

- Suzanne McNeill

Mughal Emperor Akbar is associated with the board game pachisi, the descriptions of which were written in the 16th century.

Once upon a time, words such as ‘video games’, ‘X-Box’ and ‘PSP’ were not part of a child’s lingo. Come rain or shine, there was a choice of indigenous indoor and outdoor games that were part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Many of these games also had the hidden benefits of improving logical and motor skills, hand–eye coordination and focus, as well as mental calculation. Indian myths show the gods playing their own set of games, and the Mahabharata rests its central climax on a crucial throw of the dice –which goes to show that these games have been an integral part of the subcontinent’s culture.

While many games appear to have been sidelined or forgotten in recent years, others continue to thrive at the local and national level. What is heartening is that there is also a move to bring back some of the popular games to ensure that their memory and spirit are kept alive. In this spirit of revival, we take a look at some old-time favourites.

INDOOR GAMES