Polo
in India
It
is to the survival of the game in the remote north-eastern state of Manipur, that
the world owes the genesis of modern polo, as it is universally played today.
In India, the popularity of polo has waned and risen many time. However,
it has never lost its regal status. In the last few decades, the emergence of
privately owned teams has ensured a renaissance in Indian polo.
Today,
polo is not just restricted to the royalty and the Indian Army, many companies
and firms too patronise the sport. Polo facilities are on the rise and polo holidays
in India too are in vogue.
One of the legacies left behind by the British
-much like cricket and hockey - is Polo.
Much like these two games.
Polo owes its origin to the British, even though it was first played in India.
An erstwhile passion of the royal families - some, like the former ruler
of Udaipur, still patronise it - the game is now largely a preserve of the men
in uniform, played in metres and cantonment lawns.
Matches are usually
organised in the winter season, details of which can be obtained from local dailies
or race courses.
India is considered the cradle of modern polo. It is
here that this game of kings was rediscovered and nurtured since the medieval
times. Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty in the 15th century, firmly established
its popularity.
The
period between the decline of the Mughal dynasty and the upsurgence of the British
Imperial rule, Polo almost vanished from the mainland India. Fortunately for the
world, the game survived in a few remote mountainous enclaves of the subcontinent,
notably Gilgit, Chitral, Ladakh and Manipur.
Far removed from the tumult
and political turmoil of the plains and secure in their mountain fastness, life
continued much the same as it ever had. Polo continued to be played in the traditional
manner in these areas.
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Adventures in India
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India —› Polo
in India —› Motor
Rallying India —› Hang
Gliding in India —›
Heli Skiing in India —›
Jeep Safari India —›
Motorbike Safari India —›
Horse Safari India —›
Water Sports in India —›
Mountaineering in India —›
Trekking in India —›
Camping in India —›
River Rafting in India —›
Skiing in India —›
Rock Climbing India
