Table of Contents
Question and Answer:
Q1. Why polo is called the game of
kings?
Ans: Polo earned the title "game of kings" due to its patronage by royalty and its popularity among princes and warriors, who embraced it as a test of their bravery, stamina, and strength.
Q2. Where did polo originate?
Ans: Indeed, Polo had its origins in Central Asia and later spread across various regions, reaching as far as Japan, China, Tibet, and India.
Q3. What was the status of polo during the Mughal reign?
Ans: During the Mughal reign, polo served as the National sport of India until the late sixteenth century. Kings and nobles patronized the sport, and it gained widespread popularity in the provinces of the Empire and the courts of the Rajput Kings.
Q4. In whose reign did polo come to Ladakh and how?
Ans: According to legends, polo was introduced to Ladakh during the reign of Jamyang Namgyal when he married Gyal Khatun, the princess of Baltistan, in the 16th century.
Q5. How is polo played in Ladakh?
Ans: In Ladakh, polo is cherished and celebrated with great joy. It holds a significant place in the region's cultural heritage. The game attracts massive crowds, with people adorned in their vibrant traditional costumes. Polo is not just a sport but also a test of human endurance, skill, and the strength of the horses, as players engage in continuous play.
Q6. How is polo in Ladakh different from the international format?
Ans: The traditional polo in Ladakh is different from International format. It has its unique charm with two teams of six players each and a duration of one hour, including a 20-minute break. Being a part of the annual Ladakh festival, it must be an integral and joyful celebration, possibly accompanied by traditional music and cultural accompaniments. The rich cultural context adds a special touch to the sport in the region.
Summary
Polo, often referred to as the "king of games" and the "game of kings," is a sport that stands as one of the oldest in the world, blending the rider's skills with the might of the horse. While many games are accessible to the common people, certain games, like polo, are reserved for exclusive regions and played with slight rule variations from field to field.
The story of Polo begins in Central Asia, where it was born, then matured in Iran before spreading to other regions such as Japan, China, Tibet, and India. This game's aristocratic background celebrated equestrian prowess and military skills, earning it the reputation of being a supreme test for princes and warriors, second only to actual battle. During medieval India, Polo thrived, even being the national sport during the Mughal era until the late 16th century.
By the 18th century, polo's presence in India dwindled, nearly vanishing from the mainstream. However, it survived in remote mountainous enclaves, particularly in Gilgit, Ladakh, and Manipur. Legends suggest that polo found its way to central Ladakh from neighboring Baltistan, and it was King Jamyang Namgyal's reign in the 16th century that officially introduced it to Ladakh when he married Princess Gyal Khatun.
In Ladakh, polo is not limited to the wealthy; it is deeply ingrained in the culture and heritage of the region. Almost every village has its own polo ground called "Shagran." Unlike the current international format, Ladakh polo has two teams of six players each, and the game consists of two rounds, each lasting 20 minutes. There is a brief break called "Chukkar" for a change of mount, lasting about 6 to 8 minutes. The game continues until a team scores a goal.
An essential part of the Ladakh polo experience is its musical accompaniment, performed with Surna and Daman. The start and finish of each match are marked by special polo music, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
Since the 1970s, regular exhibition and tournament matches have been held to revive and institutionalize the game, making it an integral part of the annual Ladakh Festival. This centuries-old tradition continues to thrive, celebrating the bond between man and horse and preserving the heritage and legacy of polo, the "King of games."
Language Work:
Following is a dialogue between Arman and Shaila. Sum up the dialogue in a brief paragraph:
Arman: Polo is called the king of games.
Shaila: Why?
Arman: Because in its early history it was played by kings only. It originated in central Asia.
Shaila: That’s funny Arman: Two teams with six players each try to score goals against each other. The players are on horseback and strike the ball with mallet.
Shaila: What are the rules?
Arman: The game is divided into halves and the team scoring nine goals wins.
Shaila: Is it dangerous?
Arman: of course! The pace of the game besides the horses and the mallets make it exciting and dangerous.
Ans: Arman tells Shaila that Polo is called the king of games because it was played by kings in its early history and originated in central Asia. He explains that the game involves two teams with six players each, on horseback, using mallets to score goals against each other. The team with nine goals wins. Shaila asks if it's dangerous, and Arman confirms it is due to the fast pace, horses, and mallets used in the game.
Grammar Work:
Now in the following sentences, use the correct preposition out of the given options:
1. The boy jumped ………..the fence quickly. (over/across)
2. The players quarreled ......... themselves on the playfield (among/between)
3. My colleagues stood ....... me in my hour of grief. (with/by)
4. A dog fell………a ditch. (in/into)
5. We go ……. 1 pm. (at/in)
6. She is leaving………….Delhi on 6 March. (to/for)
7. The thieves are……………bars now. (behind /before)
8. Urba and Saba are taking meals ……….. plates.(from/in)
9. I cannot part………this book. (with/from)
10. He ran…… …the field to search for the rabbit. (in/across)
Complete the following paragraph by filling in the correct prepositions:
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected….. bat. They needed 232 runs win and were hopeful of victory because they thought the score would be chased down…… ease. Their top three batsmen fell……. a mere 54 runs which brought the middle order……. pressure. The next two batsmen scored 71 runs 122 balls but they soon lost wickets important moments. They were forced…… lose the match 30 runs……..6 balls remaining. Australia’s McKay finished…… 5 wickets 28 runs. Their victory Sri Lanka has put them the top of the rankings.
Ans. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat. They needed 232 runs to win and were hopeful of victory because they thought the score would be chased down with ease.
Their top three batsmen fell at a mere 54 runs which brought the middle order in pressure. The next two batsmen scored 71 runs in 122 balls but they soon lost atets with important moments. They were forced by 30 runs with 6 balls remaining. Australia’s McKay finished with 5 wickets for 28 runs. Their victory over Sri Lanka has put them on the top of the rankings.to lose the match
Let’s Write:
Write an essay (200-250 words) on your favourite game.
Cricket is my favorite game because it is exciting, and I find it fascinating. Millions of people around the world love cricket too! I watch matches with my family and friends, and it creates special memories. Cricket has different types of games like Test matches, ODIs, and T20s, which makes it even more interesting. Each type of game has its own challenges for the players. Teamwork is crucial in cricket because players need to support each other to win. When we watch cricket matches, we cheer for our favorite teams together, and it makes us feel united. Cricket legends inspire me to be better and never give up on my dreams. I've learned many valuable lessons from cricket, like working together and staying determined. When I'm on the cricket ground, I feel the excitement of the game and hear the cheers of the crowd. Cricket is more than just a game; it brings joy and passion into my life, and that's why I love it so much!
