Mysore/Mysuru: Ramsons Kreedaa Kaushalya, the 11th Edition biennial of traditional Indian Boardgames, was inaugurated at Ramsons Bombe Mane in Nazarbad yesterday. The speciality of the event was the introduction of a new race game – Patra Gattam.

While Kannada film actor Vinay Rajkumar inaugurated the event, author Ganesh V. Shivaswamy  unveiled the new boardgames. Mysuru Book Clubs Charitable Trust Founder-Chairperson Shubha Sanjay Urs released the revised edition of the book ‘Indian Traditional Boardgames.’

Vinay Rajkumar said, it is a matter of pride that Ramsons Kala Pratishtana has kept the tradition of desi game alive, by introducing the indigenous games to the younger generation. He recalled his visit to Ramsons, along with his grandfather and Thespian Dr. Rajkumar and family members.

Recalling the fascinating history, that describes the bond between Mysuru and the board games, Vinay Rajkumar said, the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, has an avid interest in the board games. Mummadi had conducted several studies to understand nuances of the game, it is said.

Ganesh Shivaswamy said, when mobile and video games have become the buzz word in this digital era, the traditional games are pushed into oblivion. The ancient games played a key role in strengthening the relationships in life. Hence, the initiative has been taken to bring back desi games to the forefront.

In all, 32 different sets of board games, made using silver, teak wood, brass, copper, enamel and other materials are kept on display.

For the first time, Patra Gattam game has been introduced to Mysureans. The simple single track game is played by two persons with seven counters for each player, which is a typical race game.

The Lambani embroidery craft form has been used to create cloth game boards with wooden counters from Channapatna.

Dr. Manik A.V. Bengeri, a retired banker, author and musician, R.G. Singh of Ramsons Bombe Mane, curator Raghu Dharmendra, Ajay Kumar Singh, Rahul Singh, Manish Sharma, Srikanth, Arinitha, Preethi, Rahul and others were present.

Open till May 31

Ramsons Kreedaa Kaushalya will be open to public between 10 am and 7 pm till May 31.