From the Mahakali Caves to Egypt's temples, games have been carved out in numerous monuments across the world, according to Dnyaneshwari Kamath, an associate of INSTUCEN (India-Study Centre) Trust.

Giving us the example of a pallanguli set she spotted etched into the wall of a monument in Aurangabad, she explains, “Most of these games have been carved out on the floors, walls or roof while they were being built, possibly by workers. Even at forts, you'll find games on floors at the gates, possibly etched by the guards. At home, too, oral, board or non-board games exist across generations.”