Lost in Time: The Strategy Games Our Ancestors Played, But We Forgot
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Have you ever wondered how our ancestors sharpened their minds without screens, apps, or digital courses? They played board games—not just any games, but deeply strategic, brain-stimulating games that tested patience, foresight, and decision-making.
But here we are, in 2025, where most of us don’t even know these games existed. Why did we let them disappear? Let’s rewind time and crack the loopholes that led to their fading relevance.
The 1900's: When Games Were a Way of Life
If you asked someone from the 1950s about games, they wouldn’t point to a chessboard alone. They played Navakankari (the pre-chess game), Aadu Huli Aata, Chowka Bara, and Alugulimane. These weren’t "just games"—they were life lessons wrapped in play.
- People played on temple floors, in courtyards, or under peepal trees.
- Kids learned strategy simply by observing elders.
- Social bonding happened naturally—no one needed "networking events."
Games were not a distraction but a part of everyday life.
The 1980s: The Shift Begins
By the 1980s, things had changed. Families still gathered for games, but something new entered the scene—formal education pressure.
- Kids were told to focus on studies. Games were now “time pass,” not learning tools.
- Plastic board games replaced traditional hand-carved ones.
- TV started taking over as a prime source of entertainment.
This was the first big loophole. The games that once trained minds in patience, analytical thinking, and teamwork were no longer valued as "educational."
The 2000s: The Digital Takeover
Then came the 2000s, and with them, computers, PlayStations, and mobile phones.
- Multiplayer gaming went online instead of happening in real life.
- Traditional board games became “old-fashioned.”
- Instant gratification took over—why plan strategies for a Chowka Bara game when a mobile game gives instant rewards?
Kids played alone. Family game time became rare. The bonding, observational learning, and mental discipline that traditional games provided faded further.
2025: Can We Make a Comeback?
Now, here we are in 2025. Kids are glued to screens, their attention spans shrinking, their ability to think strategically declining. AI, VR, and fast-paced content have replaced the slow, immersive thinking required in strategy games.
But the good news? The revival has already begun.
- People are realizing the impact of ancient Indian board games on cognitive skills.
- Schools and parents are bringing them back as learning tools for kids.
- Communities are setting up life-sized board games in public spaces to reconnect people.
The question is—will we embrace this, or will we let another generation grow up without the mental discipline these games provide?
Breaking the Loophole: What Can We Do?
If you’re reading this, you have the power to bring back what we lost.
✅ Introduce traditional games to your family. Teach kids Chowka Bara, Navakankari, or Aadu Huli Aata instead of just chess and checkers.
✅ Play them as a group activity. Family game nights can be both fun and educational.
✅ Support brands that revive these games. Companies like Roll the Dice are making them available again.
Let’s not let history repeat itself. The smartest minds of our past were shaped through play. It’s time to bring back the brainpower that was once a natural part of life.
Are you ready to roll the dice? 🎲