Sports And Entertainments In The Ṛgvedic Period

Abstract

The main scriptures of Hinduism are the Vedas. These Vedas are four in number namely Ṛgveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. In the Vedas various aspects  of the society of that time such as social, economic, political and various other issues are emerged here. Ṛgveda Samhita is the oldest text of vedic literature. Among other things, the social issues of the people of the society at that time have emerged very well in Ṛgveda. The social life of Aryans in the Rgvedic age was as simple as it was sacred. Their simple lifestyle is reflected in their recreational activities, in their games, sports and Entertainment also. In early India, games and sports were very much concerned about the development of their physique and for the offence and defence. Also games were considered a kind of recreation which played a vital role in the development of man's personality. The winning a race was essential to the Aryans for getting the women of their choice. It was one of their favourite amusement like races of horse, races of chariots etc; the other being the throwing of dice. The first mandala of Ṛgveda contains descriptions of the Horse races and Chariot races. The 34^th hym of the tenth Mandala of the Ṛgveda describes the game of dice. The dice playing inspires a gambler for the enjoyment of victory. But in pathetic words the disappointed gambler has reached to the climax when he has been forsaken by all as father, mother, brother etc. He is helplessly devoid of sense to check himself to refrain from impulsive gambling: The mind of a gambler is tossed up and down with hope and despair. But the king bow down to the dice with great reverence. Therefore the amusements of the Ṛgvedic period were dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, chariot-racing, gambling with dice, dicing and Hunting.