Known for its unbelievably vibrant and multi-faceted culture, when it comes to the world of gaming, the nation of India has an incredible history. From the board games of the Indus Valley Civilisation to the growing popularity of iGaming in modern-day society, this influential country has made some vital contributions to entertainment culture all over the world. And with the total number of gamers in India expected to surpass that of China by 2028, the country's longstanding love of games is only set to increase and flourish in the coming years. If you're keen to learn more about the history of gaming in India, keep reading, as we've compiled some of the most fascinating facts and intriguing trends on display in this epic nation!
Ancient and Traditional Games
As a nation with a rich and extensive history, India is home to several ancient and traditional games "“ some of which are still played to this day. The world has come a long way from the ancient days of dice rolling, and with iGaming and online casinos becoming increasingly popular in India and all across the world, it's incredible to think that some of these much-loved games originated in ancient civilisations like those in India. Whilst modern-day gamers tend to prefer online games, it's important to learn the history of these much-loved games, as people have been engaging in play since the very beginnings of human civilisation.
Chaturanga is a fascinating example of India's contribution to the lineage of modern games "“ historians consider this game to be an ancestor of chess, and its roots may date way back to the Indus Valley Civilisation of over 5000 years ago. Thanks to the discovery of archaeological remains of a board game resembling chess, some historians believe that Chaturanga is thousands of years old, and must surely be the earliest known example of a chess-like board game. It's incredible to think that these ancient Bronze Age people might have played similar games to the ones we know and love today!
Alongside Chaturanga, Pachisi is a traditional board game which originated in Ancient India and was particularly popular amongst Indian royalty. Created in India around the 6th century CE, this cross and circle game is the original version of the game we know today as Ludo "“ Pachisi's name comes from the Hindi word for 'twenty-five', which is the largest score that can be thrown. Popular amongst the highest in society, Pachisi was particularly loved by Akbar the Great, one of the most influential emperors in Indian history. Supposedly, he loved the game so much that he insisted on having large playing boards constructed in all of his palaces.
Physical Games and Team Sports
Alongside those incredible contributions to the world of board games, India has built a solid reputation as a nation which loves sporting matches and physical competitions. Before the technological revolution, outdoor sports dominated the Indian gaming landscape, and have since become deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the nation. Kabaddi is a classic contact team sport which has ancient roots in India "“ traditionally played by the Tamil people, this fascinating game is said to have existed since prehistoric times and is still popular across Asia to this day. The sport boasts consistently high viewership and solid career opportunities for players in the Pro Kabaddi League, and its popularity has allowed the game to spread to other nations like Iran and South Korea.
India's gaming preferences of course changed drastically during the colonial era, in which British sports like cricket, hockey and football became increasingly prevalent. Cricket is a particular source of national pride, as the country has consistently been a world-leading force between the wickets. Iconic players and historic matches have cemented cricket's status as a beloved pastime, generating devoted fanbases and a thriving domestic and international scene. The creation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has further amplified its appeal, making the game an incredibly popular source of entertainment and solidifying India's unparalleled passion for the game on the global stage.
The Rise of Video Games and iGaming
Along with many other countries around the world, the 1980s and 1990s saw the dawn of digital gaming which rapidly took off in India. The development of sophisticated computers and consoles opened up a new world of entertainment, and globally popular consoles from Nintendo, Sega and PlayStation led to the rise of a brand-new generation of gamers. At first, games like Super Mario and Tomb Raider were mainly played by the younger generation who grew up with this new technology, but over the years video gaming has become prevalent within many different demographics. Its popularity has shown no sign of slowing down"“ in fact, gaming is on the rise in India, with mobile applications in particular seeing a boom thanks to increased access to affordable smartphones.
Alongside the huge popularity of video games and digital platforms, the world of iGaming is thriving in India today "“ including online gambling, betting, casino table games and e-sports. India has emerged as one of the world's largest markets for mobile gaming due to its accessibility whilst on the go, and esports have also taken hold thanks to the nation's enduring love of competitive sporting events. The Indian Gaming League (IGL) now hosts tournaments online, attracting thousands of viewers and participants from all over the world. This, paired with the rise of live streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube gaming (which often have streamers playing at casinos for their fans to view), many Indians are now keen fans of internet-based competitive events, and steaming in general.
Due to the availability of a huge variety of games on both mobile and PC platforms, sports betting and casino entertainment have also seen a huge uptake across the nation. Games hosted by an online casino have been on the rise in the country due to this accessibility provided by the wealth of mobile phones in India. Compared to other nations around the world, it is still early days for the iGaming industry in India, with gambling regulations varying across the nation's states. However, this particular sphere is set to be one to watch, as ongoing discussions about regulation are taking place in the country "“ and with the clear contribution of iGaming to the national economy, it is likely that the industry will continue to grow and develop in the coming years.
Ultimately, the varied and fascinating history of gaming in India is a testament to this vibrant nation's adaptability and strongly held traditions. From the invention of ancient board games to the widespread digital entertainment of today, gaming has grown and evolved in India for many thousands of years. As India continues to embrace and innovate within the entertainment industry, there is no doubt that the nation will continue to make vital contributions to the world of games!