Ancient Games Played in India

Played on a board with different pieces representing different units like infantry, cavalry, and elephants.

Chaturanga

A traditional mancala game played on a rectangular wooden board with 14 pits, where players move seeds or stones based on a set of rules.

Pallanguzhi

A contact team sport where players take turns to raid the opposing team’s half while holding their breath and attempting to tag opponents.

Kabaddi

A traditional team sport where players chase and tag opponents in a square field. It involves running, agility, and quick reflexes.

Kho-Kho

A game similar to cricket, played with a small stick (gilli) and a larger one (danda) to hit the gilli as far as possible.

Gilli Danda

An ancient board game resembling backgammon, played with dice and pieces. It was often played by royalty, including the famous game in the Mahabharata.

Chaupar