A History of Agriculture in India v2.c59.s8: Amusements
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c59.s8
- Language
- English
Amusements
v2.c59.s8.1
For amusement, a variety of indoor games was played. Chess, *chaupar*, *nard* (Persian backgammon) and cards were popular.
v2.c59.s8.2
Chess was considered to be the aristocrat of all indoor games. Amir Khusrau and Malik Muhammad Jaisi refer to the game of chess in their works which indicates its popularity among all classes. Amir Khusrau confirms the Indian origin of chess.
v2.c59.s8.3
*Chaupar* is an ancient game which is played even nowadays under three different names—*pachisi*, *chausar*, and *chaupar*. The playing of *chaupar* was especially popular among the Hindus.
v2.c59.s8.4
Mention may be made of the game of *nard* or the Persian backgammon, which was introduced into Hindustan very early in the Muslim period. *Nard* was played on a wooden board, square in shape.
v2.c59.s8.5
Among other minor amusements were pigeon-flying and cock-fighting.