Gilli danda
Brief introduction of Gilli Danda
Gilli Danda is also known as Gulli Danda or Viti Danda. The English name is referred as Tipcat. It is a layman and nonprofessional sport that originated in Indian subcontinent. The origin is traced often to the Maurya Empire that existed about 2500 years ago. The game evolved and the various versions were adopted by many Asian and European countries, even the Mediterranean islands as well. The game resonates with many modern day games that are played with a stick and a ball like cricket and baseball. People often regard it as a basic idea that launched these modern games and an ancient game that influenced the modern sports.
Things required to play Gilli Danda
It is a local sport that was mostly played by the poor classes of Indian subcontinent. It is regarded as a street sport and people play it with no strings attached. It requires a Gilli which is a short stick of few inches and tapered at the edges. The danda is a long stick of few feet and synchronizes with a bat. Although like many other sports no gender, age group and other cultural and social restrictions are observed to play the sport. The dimensions of the playing field are not limited and can be varied based on the demand. The number of players can also be diversified provided that even number of players is playing.
Required skills to play Gilli Danda
The sport requires well-coordinated body movements as well as ability to respond quickly to the situation. The skills of aiming a target are of great importance as well. The keen eye to catch the gilli and shoot it before the striker returns to his spot is needed. The playing field should be well assessed to get an idea of where the gilli lands when it is struck. Exercise and practicing the sport helps to polish the skills of the player and make him a pro. The striker should be able to hit with all the strength. The physical as well as sharp mental skills are needed to excel in this sport.
How to play Gilli Danda?
- The players arrange themselves in a small circle. The even number of players is segregated into two teams. The teams decide the turns to play by having a toss. A small hole is created in the ground on which the gilli is placed horizontally. In some variations of the sport, two stones are placed and the gilli is placed on them in an inclined position as its one end is raised. The striker hits the gilli such that it is tossed in the air and then gilli is hit again aiming for the farthest point. The danda is placed in the circle and the striker runs to touch a specific point determined before the beginning of the play. The length of the run is calculated using the danda and runs are scored. The striker runs and tries to get back and return before the opponent gets hold of the gilli.
- The opponent tries his best to catch the gilli within the circle after it is shot by the striker or to hit the danda with the gilli. The danda is placed in the circle by the striker before running off to score the runs. If the opponent fails to hit the danda then the striker gets a point and a chance to hit the gilli again as a penalty for the opponent who failed the shot. All the players of one team take turns at striking the gilli and scoring the runs. The final is calculated then the other team chases the score and tries to secure the victory.
Some important rules of Gilli Danda
The sport is not restricted to any strong set of rules as it is evolved over the time. Many additions and remissions were made that were influenced by region and people. The few basic rules, however; stay the same.
- The toss decides which team is the first one to go to strike the gilli and the other one follows the suit.
- The striker is declared out when the opponent manages to catch the gilli before it lands on the ground which he had struck with his danda.
- The striker is called out when the opponent gets the gilli and aims to hit the danda that is placed in the circle by the striker before running for the score.
- Also, if the hitter fails to hit the gilli for three turns consecutively, he loses the chance to hit the gilli again and the chance to hit taken from him.
- It is considered an amateur game and can be played with single player and a group of many as well. The number should be even only so teams can be divided.
- The playing field is variable and can be played at any place.
- The length of danda is recorded as one run and the total distance between the gilli and the circle is recorded as the runs scored by the striker.
- The players stand within the circle and the striker hits the gilli.
- The team with more runs scored wins the game. The opposite team takes the chance to play and chases the run score if they succeed, they are the winner and if they fail the opposite team gets the victory.
- The game is played in many subcontinents so a variety of rules are added and removed influenced by the location.
Conclusion
Gulli Danda is a simple game played in local areas of Indian subcontinent mostly and is of ancient origin. It has close similarity with modern games. It is fun to play and encourages team work and physical activity. The game does not need any expensive equipment and luxurious setup for playing. The simple every day and easy to go stuff can be used to play. It is a healthy sport played among children, adults and everyone. It is not just a sport but also a symbolic representation of the simplistic way of people in the past where having fun was the sole goal.
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