Textbook: Sports and History | History and Political Science Class 10 (Maharashtra Board) PDF Download

 Page 1


46
7. Sports and History
entertainment. The ancient Indian literature 
and epics mention various games such as 
games of dice (dyut), wrestling, Horse and 
Chariot races and chess.
Sports combine entertainment and 
physical exercise.
To play is a natural human instinct. 
Hence, the history of sports begins with 
the origin of mankind. Various games have 
been played since the beginning of 
civilisation. Hunting was indeed a way of 
obtaining food for the ancient people but 
it was also looked upon as a game and 
Do you know ?
Sports and 
Greeks is a very 
ancient equation. 
The Greeks were 
the first to 
Standardise the rules of sports and 
organise them systematically. They 
started sports competitions of Discus 
throw, Horse and Chariot Races, Wrestling 
and Boxing, etc.  The ancient event of 
Olympic competitions used to be held at 
Olympia, the ancient Greek city. To be 
able to participate in Olympics and be a 
winner is supposed to be a great honour 
for sports persons.
Do you know ?
There are a number of training 
centres for wrestling and other sports.
1. Vyayamshala of famous wrestlers 
Jummadada and Manikrao, Vadodara.
2. Kreeda Vidyapeeth, Patiyala.
3. Svarnim Gujarat Sports, Gandhinagar.
4. Khasbag Talim and Motibag Talim, 
Kolhapur.
5. Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal, 
Amaravati.
6. Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Kreeda Sankul, 
Balewadi, Pune.
7.1 Importance of Sports   
7.2 Types of sports
7.3 Globalisation of Sports
7.4 Game Materials and Toys
7.5 Toys and History
7.6 Literature and Movies on sport
7.7 Sports and Professional 
Opportunities
Wrestling
7.1 Importance of Sports
To play games is very important for 
us. It enables us to overcome suffering and 
worries. Games help us to relax and 
refresh our minds. Games, which involve 
lot of physical activities, provide good 
exercise as well. Games help in building 
a tenacious and strong body. Playing 
games also helps us in developing courage, 
determination and sportsmanship. Games 
needing collective participation help us to 
develop a sense of cooperation and team 
spirit. It also helps in developing leadership.
Page 2


46
7. Sports and History
entertainment. The ancient Indian literature 
and epics mention various games such as 
games of dice (dyut), wrestling, Horse and 
Chariot races and chess.
Sports combine entertainment and 
physical exercise.
To play is a natural human instinct. 
Hence, the history of sports begins with 
the origin of mankind. Various games have 
been played since the beginning of 
civilisation. Hunting was indeed a way of 
obtaining food for the ancient people but 
it was also looked upon as a game and 
Do you know ?
Sports and 
Greeks is a very 
ancient equation. 
The Greeks were 
the first to 
Standardise the rules of sports and 
organise them systematically. They 
started sports competitions of Discus 
throw, Horse and Chariot Races, Wrestling 
and Boxing, etc.  The ancient event of 
Olympic competitions used to be held at 
Olympia, the ancient Greek city. To be 
able to participate in Olympics and be a 
winner is supposed to be a great honour 
for sports persons.
Do you know ?
There are a number of training 
centres for wrestling and other sports.
1. Vyayamshala of famous wrestlers 
Jummadada and Manikrao, Vadodara.
2. Kreeda Vidyapeeth, Patiyala.
3. Svarnim Gujarat Sports, Gandhinagar.
4. Khasbag Talim and Motibag Talim, 
Kolhapur.
5. Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal, 
Amaravati.
6. Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Kreeda Sankul, 
Balewadi, Pune.
7.1 Importance of Sports   
7.2 Types of sports
7.3 Globalisation of Sports
7.4 Game Materials and Toys
7.5 Toys and History
7.6 Literature and Movies on sport
7.7 Sports and Professional 
Opportunities
Wrestling
7.1 Importance of Sports
To play games is very important for 
us. It enables us to overcome suffering and 
worries. Games help us to relax and 
refresh our minds. Games, which involve 
lot of physical activities, provide good 
exercise as well. Games help in building 
a tenacious and strong body. Playing 
games also helps us in developing courage, 
determination and sportsmanship. Games 
needing collective participation help us to 
develop a sense of cooperation and team 
spirit. It also helps in developing leadership.
47
7.2 Types of sports 
Sports are of two types, ‘Indoor 
Games’ and ‘Outdoor Games’.
Indoor Games : Indoor Games are 
played within a closed environment and 
a number of them are played by sitting 
at one place. They include chess, card 
games, games played with gamesmen and 
dice, carom, etc. The game known by 
various names as Kachkavadya or 
Chaukabara, or as Indian Ludo is very 
popular among Indians. The game known 
as Sagargote played with a bunch of 
seeds or stones, is usually played by girls. 
There is another game known as Bhatukali 
Indian games like marbles, Lagori, 
Vitti-Dandu or Gilli-Danda, Bhingari 
(whorls), Bhovare (tops), Phugadi, Zimma 
are quite popular.
The international games include 
Badmington (alternatively spelt as 
(playing house) which is usually played 
by  girls. However, all the members in 
the family can also participate in it, 
especially in the mock wedding of a girl 
doll and a boy doll. It is an occasion of 
Langadi
Table-Tennis
Chess
Do you know ?
Daily schedule of Lakshmibai, the 
Queen of Jhansi : 
‘Her highness was very fond of 
physical exercise. She used to wake up in 
the early hours, spent an hour (2 ghatikas) 
exercising on the Mallakhamb and then 
she had rounds of horse ride and a long 
elephant ride. Two hours (4 ghatikas) 
after sunrise, she would eat khurak (a diet 
meant for enhancing physical strength) 
and drink milk. Thereafter, she had bath.’
(Translated from Maza Pravas by Vishnubhat Godse)
family celebration.
Outdoor games : The outdoor games 
can be categorised into two types, ‘Indian 
Kabaddi
sports’ and ‘International Sports’. Indian 
games include Langadi, Kabaddi, 
Atyapatya, Kho-kho, etc.
Page 3


46
7. Sports and History
entertainment. The ancient Indian literature 
and epics mention various games such as 
games of dice (dyut), wrestling, Horse and 
Chariot races and chess.
Sports combine entertainment and 
physical exercise.
To play is a natural human instinct. 
Hence, the history of sports begins with 
the origin of mankind. Various games have 
been played since the beginning of 
civilisation. Hunting was indeed a way of 
obtaining food for the ancient people but 
it was also looked upon as a game and 
Do you know ?
Sports and 
Greeks is a very 
ancient equation. 
The Greeks were 
the first to 
Standardise the rules of sports and 
organise them systematically. They 
started sports competitions of Discus 
throw, Horse and Chariot Races, Wrestling 
and Boxing, etc.  The ancient event of 
Olympic competitions used to be held at 
Olympia, the ancient Greek city. To be 
able to participate in Olympics and be a 
winner is supposed to be a great honour 
for sports persons.
Do you know ?
There are a number of training 
centres for wrestling and other sports.
1. Vyayamshala of famous wrestlers 
Jummadada and Manikrao, Vadodara.
2. Kreeda Vidyapeeth, Patiyala.
3. Svarnim Gujarat Sports, Gandhinagar.
4. Khasbag Talim and Motibag Talim, 
Kolhapur.
5. Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal, 
Amaravati.
6. Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Kreeda Sankul, 
Balewadi, Pune.
7.1 Importance of Sports   
7.2 Types of sports
7.3 Globalisation of Sports
7.4 Game Materials and Toys
7.5 Toys and History
7.6 Literature and Movies on sport
7.7 Sports and Professional 
Opportunities
Wrestling
7.1 Importance of Sports
To play games is very important for 
us. It enables us to overcome suffering and 
worries. Games help us to relax and 
refresh our minds. Games, which involve 
lot of physical activities, provide good 
exercise as well. Games help in building 
a tenacious and strong body. Playing 
games also helps us in developing courage, 
determination and sportsmanship. Games 
needing collective participation help us to 
develop a sense of cooperation and team 
spirit. It also helps in developing leadership.
47
7.2 Types of sports 
Sports are of two types, ‘Indoor 
Games’ and ‘Outdoor Games’.
Indoor Games : Indoor Games are 
played within a closed environment and 
a number of them are played by sitting 
at one place. They include chess, card 
games, games played with gamesmen and 
dice, carom, etc. The game known by 
various names as Kachkavadya or 
Chaukabara, or as Indian Ludo is very 
popular among Indians. The game known 
as Sagargote played with a bunch of 
seeds or stones, is usually played by girls. 
There is another game known as Bhatukali 
Indian games like marbles, Lagori, 
Vitti-Dandu or Gilli-Danda, Bhingari 
(whorls), Bhovare (tops), Phugadi, Zimma 
are quite popular.
The international games include 
Badmington (alternatively spelt as 
(playing house) which is usually played 
by  girls. However, all the members in 
the family can also participate in it, 
especially in the mock wedding of a girl 
doll and a boy doll. It is an occasion of 
Langadi
Table-Tennis
Chess
Do you know ?
Daily schedule of Lakshmibai, the 
Queen of Jhansi : 
‘Her highness was very fond of 
physical exercise. She used to wake up in 
the early hours, spent an hour (2 ghatikas) 
exercising on the Mallakhamb and then 
she had rounds of horse ride and a long 
elephant ride. Two hours (4 ghatikas) 
after sunrise, she would eat khurak (a diet 
meant for enhancing physical strength) 
and drink milk. Thereafter, she had bath.’
(Translated from Maza Pravas by Vishnubhat Godse)
family celebration.
Outdoor games : The outdoor games 
can be categorised into two types, ‘Indian 
Kabaddi
sports’ and ‘International Sports’. Indian 
games include Langadi, Kabaddi, 
Atyapatya, Kho-kho, etc.
48
Football
Mallakhamb
Badminton), Table Tennis, Hockey, 
Cricket, Football, Golf, Polo, etc.
Among outdoor sports, running races 
are popular all over the world. Sprints or 
short distance running races are usually 
arranged for 100 and 200 metres. There 
are also middle distance and long distance 
races. Marathon is a long distance running 
race. Other types of running races are 
hurdles and relay races.
Shot put, discus throw, long jump, 
high jump, water sports like swimming 
competitions, water polo, rowing and 
sports that combine physical exercise and 
acrobatics like mallakhamb, rope 
mallakhamb, gymnastics, etc. are all 
included in the outdoor sports based on 
physical skills.
Skating
Cricket
Do you know ?
According to Manisha Bathe 
Mallakhamb and its various tactics 
were devised by Balambhat Deodhar, 
the physical trainer of Peshwa Bajirao 
II. She also notes that Balambhat 
was inspired watching monkeys while 
they leaped and played on trees.
Let us find out :
Get to know more about wrestlers 
Khashaba Jadhav, Maruti Mane and 
cricketer Bharatratna Sachin Tendulkar 
with the help of internet. 
Adventurous games : Ice skating, 
skiing, ice hockey, etc. are popular games 
that require balancing skills.
There are many other adventurous 
games which include rock-climbing, 
gliding, auto racing - cars and motorbikes, 
etc.
Sports Competitions : Sport 
competitions of various types is a 
Page 4


46
7. Sports and History
entertainment. The ancient Indian literature 
and epics mention various games such as 
games of dice (dyut), wrestling, Horse and 
Chariot races and chess.
Sports combine entertainment and 
physical exercise.
To play is a natural human instinct. 
Hence, the history of sports begins with 
the origin of mankind. Various games have 
been played since the beginning of 
civilisation. Hunting was indeed a way of 
obtaining food for the ancient people but 
it was also looked upon as a game and 
Do you know ?
Sports and 
Greeks is a very 
ancient equation. 
The Greeks were 
the first to 
Standardise the rules of sports and 
organise them systematically. They 
started sports competitions of Discus 
throw, Horse and Chariot Races, Wrestling 
and Boxing, etc.  The ancient event of 
Olympic competitions used to be held at 
Olympia, the ancient Greek city. To be 
able to participate in Olympics and be a 
winner is supposed to be a great honour 
for sports persons.
Do you know ?
There are a number of training 
centres for wrestling and other sports.
1. Vyayamshala of famous wrestlers 
Jummadada and Manikrao, Vadodara.
2. Kreeda Vidyapeeth, Patiyala.
3. Svarnim Gujarat Sports, Gandhinagar.
4. Khasbag Talim and Motibag Talim, 
Kolhapur.
5. Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal, 
Amaravati.
6. Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Kreeda Sankul, 
Balewadi, Pune.
7.1 Importance of Sports   
7.2 Types of sports
7.3 Globalisation of Sports
7.4 Game Materials and Toys
7.5 Toys and History
7.6 Literature and Movies on sport
7.7 Sports and Professional 
Opportunities
Wrestling
7.1 Importance of Sports
To play games is very important for 
us. It enables us to overcome suffering and 
worries. Games help us to relax and 
refresh our minds. Games, which involve 
lot of physical activities, provide good 
exercise as well. Games help in building 
a tenacious and strong body. Playing 
games also helps us in developing courage, 
determination and sportsmanship. Games 
needing collective participation help us to 
develop a sense of cooperation and team 
spirit. It also helps in developing leadership.
47
7.2 Types of sports 
Sports are of two types, ‘Indoor 
Games’ and ‘Outdoor Games’.
Indoor Games : Indoor Games are 
played within a closed environment and 
a number of them are played by sitting 
at one place. They include chess, card 
games, games played with gamesmen and 
dice, carom, etc. The game known by 
various names as Kachkavadya or 
Chaukabara, or as Indian Ludo is very 
popular among Indians. The game known 
as Sagargote played with a bunch of 
seeds or stones, is usually played by girls. 
There is another game known as Bhatukali 
Indian games like marbles, Lagori, 
Vitti-Dandu or Gilli-Danda, Bhingari 
(whorls), Bhovare (tops), Phugadi, Zimma 
are quite popular.
The international games include 
Badmington (alternatively spelt as 
(playing house) which is usually played 
by  girls. However, all the members in 
the family can also participate in it, 
especially in the mock wedding of a girl 
doll and a boy doll. It is an occasion of 
Langadi
Table-Tennis
Chess
Do you know ?
Daily schedule of Lakshmibai, the 
Queen of Jhansi : 
‘Her highness was very fond of 
physical exercise. She used to wake up in 
the early hours, spent an hour (2 ghatikas) 
exercising on the Mallakhamb and then 
she had rounds of horse ride and a long 
elephant ride. Two hours (4 ghatikas) 
after sunrise, she would eat khurak (a diet 
meant for enhancing physical strength) 
and drink milk. Thereafter, she had bath.’
(Translated from Maza Pravas by Vishnubhat Godse)
family celebration.
Outdoor games : The outdoor games 
can be categorised into two types, ‘Indian 
Kabaddi
sports’ and ‘International Sports’. Indian 
games include Langadi, Kabaddi, 
Atyapatya, Kho-kho, etc.
48
Football
Mallakhamb
Badminton), Table Tennis, Hockey, 
Cricket, Football, Golf, Polo, etc.
Among outdoor sports, running races 
are popular all over the world. Sprints or 
short distance running races are usually 
arranged for 100 and 200 metres. There 
are also middle distance and long distance 
races. Marathon is a long distance running 
race. Other types of running races are 
hurdles and relay races.
Shot put, discus throw, long jump, 
high jump, water sports like swimming 
competitions, water polo, rowing and 
sports that combine physical exercise and 
acrobatics like mallakhamb, rope 
mallakhamb, gymnastics, etc. are all 
included in the outdoor sports based on 
physical skills.
Skating
Cricket
Do you know ?
According to Manisha Bathe 
Mallakhamb and its various tactics 
were devised by Balambhat Deodhar, 
the physical trainer of Peshwa Bajirao 
II. She also notes that Balambhat 
was inspired watching monkeys while 
they leaped and played on trees.
Let us find out :
Get to know more about wrestlers 
Khashaba Jadhav, Maruti Mane and 
cricketer Bharatratna Sachin Tendulkar 
with the help of internet. 
Adventurous games : Ice skating, 
skiing, ice hockey, etc. are popular games 
that require balancing skills.
There are many other adventurous 
games which include rock-climbing, 
gliding, auto racing - cars and motorbikes, 
etc.
Sports Competitions : Sport 
competitions of various types is a 
49
Do you know ?
Kathasaritsagara has very interesting 
descriptions of games and toys. There 
are descriptions of flying dolls. It 
mentions that on pressing a key some 
dolls used to fly, some used to dance 
and some used to make sounds.
7.3 Globalisation of Sports
 The field of sports in the 20th-21st 
century was naturally influenced by the 
process of globalisation. The international 
matches of various sports like cricket, 
football, lawn tennis can be watched on 
television in any corner of the world. Thus, 
citizens of the non-participant countries 
can also enjoy these matches. For instance, 
the world cup winning match played by 
Indian cricketers was watched by cricket 
fans all over the world. Sports fans 
scattered all over the world have 
significantly affected the entire structure of 
sports economy. Fans watch the matches 
for entertainment, industrial and 
commercial companies look at it as a good 
opportunity to advertise their ware. Retired 
sportsmen also have an opportunity to 
participate as commentators.
7.4 Game Materials and Toys
The means and equipments for the 
entertainment and education of children 
are called toys.  Clay toys have been found 
in archaeological excavations. These toys 
were fashioned either by hands or by using 
moulds.
Dolls are mentioned in the ancient 
Indian literature. A Sanskrit play by 
Shudraka is named as Mrichchhakatika. It 
means a clay cart.
Let us find out :  
In India, there are regional 
traditions of making dolls. The wooden 
dolls made in Maharashtra were known 
as Thaki.
Let us find out about other regions 
where dolls were made or are still 
being made.
Let us also find out the local 
names of such dolls.
worldwide phenomenon. Sport 
competitions like Olympics, Asian Games 
also known as Asiad, Paralympic or 
Special Olympics for disabled people, 
Cricket World Cup, etc. are organised on 
regular basis. Also international 
competitions for many other sports like 
hockey, wrestling, chess, etc. are organised 
on a grand scale. In India hockey and 
cricket are very popular. Hockey is our 
national game. Competitions of all these 
games are organised at local, city, taluka, 
district, state, national and international 
levels. Sportspersons who perform well in 
national and international competitions 
have good career prospects. 
Do you know ?
Major Dhyan Chand, an expert 
player of hockey was also the captain 
of the Indian hockey team. Indian 
Hockey team won a Gold Medal in 
1936 at Berlin Olympics under his 
captaincy. He was also part of the 
previous Indian hockey teams in 1928 
and 1932, which played at Olympics 
and won Gold medals. 29th August, the 
birth date of Dhyan Chand is celebrated 
as the National Sports Day in India. 
He was known as the ‘Wizard of 
Hockey’. He was honoured with a 
‘Padmabhushan’ in 1956.
7.5 Toys and History
Toys can throw light on history and 
technological development. We can also 
get a glimpse of religious and cultural 
Page 5


46
7. Sports and History
entertainment. The ancient Indian literature 
and epics mention various games such as 
games of dice (dyut), wrestling, Horse and 
Chariot races and chess.
Sports combine entertainment and 
physical exercise.
To play is a natural human instinct. 
Hence, the history of sports begins with 
the origin of mankind. Various games have 
been played since the beginning of 
civilisation. Hunting was indeed a way of 
obtaining food for the ancient people but 
it was also looked upon as a game and 
Do you know ?
Sports and 
Greeks is a very 
ancient equation. 
The Greeks were 
the first to 
Standardise the rules of sports and 
organise them systematically. They 
started sports competitions of Discus 
throw, Horse and Chariot Races, Wrestling 
and Boxing, etc.  The ancient event of 
Olympic competitions used to be held at 
Olympia, the ancient Greek city. To be 
able to participate in Olympics and be a 
winner is supposed to be a great honour 
for sports persons.
Do you know ?
There are a number of training 
centres for wrestling and other sports.
1. Vyayamshala of famous wrestlers 
Jummadada and Manikrao, Vadodara.
2. Kreeda Vidyapeeth, Patiyala.
3. Svarnim Gujarat Sports, Gandhinagar.
4. Khasbag Talim and Motibag Talim, 
Kolhapur.
5. Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal, 
Amaravati.
6. Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Kreeda Sankul, 
Balewadi, Pune.
7.1 Importance of Sports   
7.2 Types of sports
7.3 Globalisation of Sports
7.4 Game Materials and Toys
7.5 Toys and History
7.6 Literature and Movies on sport
7.7 Sports and Professional 
Opportunities
Wrestling
7.1 Importance of Sports
To play games is very important for 
us. It enables us to overcome suffering and 
worries. Games help us to relax and 
refresh our minds. Games, which involve 
lot of physical activities, provide good 
exercise as well. Games help in building 
a tenacious and strong body. Playing 
games also helps us in developing courage, 
determination and sportsmanship. Games 
needing collective participation help us to 
develop a sense of cooperation and team 
spirit. It also helps in developing leadership.
47
7.2 Types of sports 
Sports are of two types, ‘Indoor 
Games’ and ‘Outdoor Games’.
Indoor Games : Indoor Games are 
played within a closed environment and 
a number of them are played by sitting 
at one place. They include chess, card 
games, games played with gamesmen and 
dice, carom, etc. The game known by 
various names as Kachkavadya or 
Chaukabara, or as Indian Ludo is very 
popular among Indians. The game known 
as Sagargote played with a bunch of 
seeds or stones, is usually played by girls. 
There is another game known as Bhatukali 
Indian games like marbles, Lagori, 
Vitti-Dandu or Gilli-Danda, Bhingari 
(whorls), Bhovare (tops), Phugadi, Zimma 
are quite popular.
The international games include 
Badmington (alternatively spelt as 
(playing house) which is usually played 
by  girls. However, all the members in 
the family can also participate in it, 
especially in the mock wedding of a girl 
doll and a boy doll. It is an occasion of 
Langadi
Table-Tennis
Chess
Do you know ?
Daily schedule of Lakshmibai, the 
Queen of Jhansi : 
‘Her highness was very fond of 
physical exercise. She used to wake up in 
the early hours, spent an hour (2 ghatikas) 
exercising on the Mallakhamb and then 
she had rounds of horse ride and a long 
elephant ride. Two hours (4 ghatikas) 
after sunrise, she would eat khurak (a diet 
meant for enhancing physical strength) 
and drink milk. Thereafter, she had bath.’
(Translated from Maza Pravas by Vishnubhat Godse)
family celebration.
Outdoor games : The outdoor games 
can be categorised into two types, ‘Indian 
Kabaddi
sports’ and ‘International Sports’. Indian 
games include Langadi, Kabaddi, 
Atyapatya, Kho-kho, etc.
48
Football
Mallakhamb
Badminton), Table Tennis, Hockey, 
Cricket, Football, Golf, Polo, etc.
Among outdoor sports, running races 
are popular all over the world. Sprints or 
short distance running races are usually 
arranged for 100 and 200 metres. There 
are also middle distance and long distance 
races. Marathon is a long distance running 
race. Other types of running races are 
hurdles and relay races.
Shot put, discus throw, long jump, 
high jump, water sports like swimming 
competitions, water polo, rowing and 
sports that combine physical exercise and 
acrobatics like mallakhamb, rope 
mallakhamb, gymnastics, etc. are all 
included in the outdoor sports based on 
physical skills.
Skating
Cricket
Do you know ?
According to Manisha Bathe 
Mallakhamb and its various tactics 
were devised by Balambhat Deodhar, 
the physical trainer of Peshwa Bajirao 
II. She also notes that Balambhat 
was inspired watching monkeys while 
they leaped and played on trees.
Let us find out :
Get to know more about wrestlers 
Khashaba Jadhav, Maruti Mane and 
cricketer Bharatratna Sachin Tendulkar 
with the help of internet. 
Adventurous games : Ice skating, 
skiing, ice hockey, etc. are popular games 
that require balancing skills.
There are many other adventurous 
games which include rock-climbing, 
gliding, auto racing - cars and motorbikes, 
etc.
Sports Competitions : Sport 
competitions of various types is a 
49
Do you know ?
Kathasaritsagara has very interesting 
descriptions of games and toys. There 
are descriptions of flying dolls. It 
mentions that on pressing a key some 
dolls used to fly, some used to dance 
and some used to make sounds.
7.3 Globalisation of Sports
 The field of sports in the 20th-21st 
century was naturally influenced by the 
process of globalisation. The international 
matches of various sports like cricket, 
football, lawn tennis can be watched on 
television in any corner of the world. Thus, 
citizens of the non-participant countries 
can also enjoy these matches. For instance, 
the world cup winning match played by 
Indian cricketers was watched by cricket 
fans all over the world. Sports fans 
scattered all over the world have 
significantly affected the entire structure of 
sports economy. Fans watch the matches 
for entertainment, industrial and 
commercial companies look at it as a good 
opportunity to advertise their ware. Retired 
sportsmen also have an opportunity to 
participate as commentators.
7.4 Game Materials and Toys
The means and equipments for the 
entertainment and education of children 
are called toys.  Clay toys have been found 
in archaeological excavations. These toys 
were fashioned either by hands or by using 
moulds.
Dolls are mentioned in the ancient 
Indian literature. A Sanskrit play by 
Shudraka is named as Mrichchhakatika. It 
means a clay cart.
Let us find out :  
In India, there are regional 
traditions of making dolls. The wooden 
dolls made in Maharashtra were known 
as Thaki.
Let us find out about other regions 
where dolls were made or are still 
being made.
Let us also find out the local 
names of such dolls.
worldwide phenomenon. Sport 
competitions like Olympics, Asian Games 
also known as Asiad, Paralympic or 
Special Olympics for disabled people, 
Cricket World Cup, etc. are organised on 
regular basis. Also international 
competitions for many other sports like 
hockey, wrestling, chess, etc. are organised 
on a grand scale. In India hockey and 
cricket are very popular. Hockey is our 
national game. Competitions of all these 
games are organised at local, city, taluka, 
district, state, national and international 
levels. Sportspersons who perform well in 
national and international competitions 
have good career prospects. 
Do you know ?
Major Dhyan Chand, an expert 
player of hockey was also the captain 
of the Indian hockey team. Indian 
Hockey team won a Gold Medal in 
1936 at Berlin Olympics under his 
captaincy. He was also part of the 
previous Indian hockey teams in 1928 
and 1932, which played at Olympics 
and won Gold medals. 29th August, the 
birth date of Dhyan Chand is celebrated 
as the National Sports Day in India. 
He was known as the ‘Wizard of 
Hockey’. He was honoured with a 
‘Padmabhushan’ in 1956.
7.5 Toys and History
Toys can throw light on history and 
technological development. We can also 
get a glimpse of religious and cultural 
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to do research of this kind. Knowledge of 
history of sports is also essential for 
writing articles in various publications 
like encyclopaedia, newspapers, sports 
magazines, etc.
7.7 Sports and Professional
Opportunities
Although sports and history appears 
to be distant as subjects, there is a close 
tie between them.  Students of history can 
find many opportunities in the field of 
sports journalism. One needs to resort to 
history in order to write articles, reviews 
about sports events like Olympics or 
Asiad or national and international 
matches.
Expert commentators are in demand 
during sports matches. An expert 
commentator needs to have good 
knowledge of the history, statistics, 
previous records, eminent players, 
historical anecdotes, etc. related to the 
concerned game. Knowledge of history is 
useful for them.
Matches of various sports like cricket, 
football, kabaddi, chess, etc. are shown 
live on television on various channels. 
The role of professionals who track and 
keep the record of these telecasts from 
various channels has become very 
important now. The sports channels 
continue telecasting round the clock. 
There are many professional opportunities 
available in this field.
Referees are an essential factor of 
sports matches. Trained referees are 
required to pass qualifying examinations. 
Qualified referees can work at district, 
state, national and international levels. 
Government and private sectors are trying 
to promote sports. There are scholarships 
offered to sportspersons. There are reserved 
seats for them in the government and 
private establishments. 
traditions through them. As a part of 
traditional Diwali celebrations in 
Maharashtra model forts are made. Clay 
images of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and 
his soldiers and also people and animals 
are placed on these model forts. This 
tradition keeps the memory alive of the 
important role of forts in the history of 
Maharashtra.
An ivory doll made by Indian craftsmen 
was found in the excavation of Pompeii, 
an ancient in Italy. It is dated to 1st 
century C.E. This artefact throws light on 
the Indo-Roman trade relations. Thus, toys 
found in archaeological excavations can 
tell us about cultural contacts between 
nations in ancient times.
7.6 Literature and Movies on sport
Publishing of books and 
encyclopaedias of sports is a newly 
developing enterprise. The history of 
Mallakhamb  has been recently published. 
There is an encyclopaedia on the subject 
of exercise. Some years ago there was a 
sports magazine named ‘Shatkar’. There 
is ample literature available in English on 
sports. Some television channels are 
exclusively devoted to sports. 
Recently, some movies on sports and 
biography of players have been released 
in various languages. For instance, the 
films Mary Kom and Dangal. Mary Kom 
is the first Indian female boxer to 
participate in the Olympics and to win a 
bronze medal. Dangal is based on the life 
story of Foghat sisters who were the first 
Indian female wrestlers to win gold 
medals at various international 
competitions.
The process of making a movie 
requires deep study of the particular 
period of the movie’s story, language, 
dressing style, social life, etc. of that 
period. Students of history are well trained