Treasure troves of traditional games

Temples of Tamil Nadu are perhaps among the most awe-inspiring in the country. Little evidence survives because game pieces were often seeds, stones, or shells and many game boards were just drawn on the sand with a stick. Having done this for 20 years now, I am quick to spot these patterns and know where they are most likely to be found — on the ‘thinnai’ at the entrance of the temple, the mandapams, or conveniently near doorways and pillars so one can lean back and enjoy the game. One of the games you are most likely to find in temples across Tamil Nadu is the game of Aadu Puli Aatam. What’s interesting about these games is that they’re rooted in the human psyche, in human thought, values, feelings, and beliefs, and very often, the essence of the game plays out in actual life.