Temple Carvings & Games: Proof That India Had a Thriving Gaming Culture

Have you ever walked into an ancient Indian temple and noticed something unexpected on the Jaguli, floors, walls? Hidden between the grand pillars, among the beautifully carved gods and goddesses, there are secret surprises—little boards etched right into stone. Yes, we’re talking about game boards carved inside temples. It’s like finding proof that many centuries ago, people came to these temples not just to pray but to play, learn, connect, and bond.

When we talk about Ajanta, Ellora, Hampi, Belur, Halebidu, or even Lepakshi, most people think of divine sculptures and breathtaking architecture. But if you look closely, you’ll find carvings of games like Pagade (the ancestor of modern-day Ludo or Chausar), Alugulimane (Pallanguzhi), and even simple grid games scratched onto the steps or courtyards. It makes you wonder—why did temple builders include game boards alongside spiritual deities?

The answer tells us so much about India’s past. Temples weren’t only places to pray & worship. They were the heartbeat of the community. Villagers, travelers, traders—all gathered there. Knowledge was exchanged, stories were told, skills were learned, and yes, games were played. Whether it was a child learning counting by playing Alugulimane, or a strategist sharpening his mind over a game of Pagade, these activities weren’t seen as time-pass. They were teaching tools, bonding moments, ways to develop focus, patience, and mathematical thinking.

Think about the temples of Hampi, where premises near the stone chariots in Vijayavittala temple have game boards carved out. Imagine people sitting there, rolling ancient dice, discussing trade, politics, maybe even arranging marriages. In Belur and Halebidu, where every inch is covered with detailed carvings, those small grid patterns show us that even amidst art and devotion, fun and learning were never forgotten. Lepakshi too hides these carvings in plain sight—reminders of a culture where spirituality, entertainment, and education all went hand in hand.

Today, when we revive these traditional Indian board games through Roll the Dice, we’re not just selling products. We’re reconnecting to a part of our history where gaming wasn’t limited to screens and apps. It was a living, breathing experience shared by everyone, from kings to commoners, right inside temples.

So next time you visit an ancient temple, don’t forget to look down or glance at those corners—you might just spot a centuries-old game board and realize, India always had a thriving gaming culture long before we even called it that.