Recently updated on January 23rd, 2020 at 01:14 pm
India’s famously vibrant culture is one of many layers, from the traditions behind its religions and history, to its distinguished arts and internationally revered cuisine. Then there’s the country’s passion for sport, and while cricket is arguably the most commonly played game here, polo is a national pastime that’s deeply rooted in India’s history, the country credited as the birthplace of modern polo. With this legacy in mind, we take a look at the story behind polo in India.
Polo, or Sagol Kangjei as it was originally named, is one of India’s most deeply integrated sports, dating back to 3,100 BC, having been passed on from ancient Persia, where a version of the sport was played as far back as the 6th century BC. The game later became known as polo after the Indian work ‘pulu’, which is the name of the wooden ball that’s used in the sport.
It’s in the north-eastern state of Manipur that this passion for the horseback sport began, so it makes sense that the first polo ground was set up there, with an account of a polo match in The Royal Chronicle of Manipur as early as 33AD. The founder of the Mughal dynasty, Zahiruddin Babur, then went on to establish its popularity across India throughout his time as Emperor in the 15th century. From that time, the sport’s popularity rose and declined many times, but it always retained its regal status. It was in later years that polo transitioned from being a pastime exclusively reserved for royalty and the Indian army, to one that was open to everyone.
Centuries after it all began to take root in Manipur, the first club, Silchar Polo Club, was established in 1859 in the neighbouring state of Assam. Opened by British military officers and tea plantation owners – who had witnessed locals playing the game – it wasn’t long before the sport began to spread as polo devotees travelled across the globe, from Malta, England and Ireland, to Argentina (where it took the country by storm), and Australia shortly after in 1874. Naturally, the game has evolved since its beginnings, but it was during the 1870s that the first rules were established, and in 1936 polo became an Olympic sport.
Today, polo flourishes across India, including within Jaipur – where the Jaipur Riding & Polo Club prospers to this day. Also known as the Pink City, this historic setting is where people can now experience India’s modern polo scene. Guests who join Trafalgar on the Leisurely Rajasthan with Mumbai trip have the opportunity to delve even further into the sport by visiting the home of Inder Vijai and Usha Singh. Here, guests can find out all about polo in India from Inder Vijai, who is not only the official commentator for the Jaipur polo team, but also a national level polo player himself. Usha Singh then gives a cooking demonstration, introducing guests to another of India’s traditions – it’s aromatic cuisine.
Find out about polo in India with one of the country’s polo commentators by joining the Leisurely Rajasthan with Mumbai trip.
Image credits: Cover photo © iStock / Somogyvari. Polo Player © iStock / Interesting Light. Polo Players © iStock / Interesting Light. Polo Saddles © iStock / livetalent. Jaipur © iStock / f9photos. Indian food © iStock / helenecanada.