Blog 11 of 14
It was during a talk given by I gave to a ladies group that I were approached by one of the audience. This striking and regal lady from Mangalore was keen to share her childhood memories with us and teach us a game she had played. I had been doing years of research on games, talking to people from all walks of life, to record their memories of the games they played.
This one took me by surprise. It was a new and completely unique game the kind of which I had never seen before. Although it was played on a board that surprisingly resembled the pallanguzhi board, it also had a dice element built into it. The thing that most caught my attention was the name – Kalanay Belanay – Black Elephant White Elephant. This was based on the throw of the seven cowrie shells that are a part of this game. When all the pieces fall face down, the dark side is exposed and is referred to as black elephant. When all the pieces fall face up, the lighter side is exposed and so, called white elephant.
This fascinating and fun two-player game explores the laws of probability and involves the placing of game pieces on the circles marked 1 – 7 and then removing the opponents game pieces all nased on the throw of the dice. This is a game we could have lost but for this wonderful lady from Mangalore. So, if you remember games you or your families have played, do reach out to us. We will be thrilled to document and launch the game. Remember, there are many exciting games from India other than chess – a true tribute to India’s gaming tradition.
Ripples Of Life and Time 