Badminton has been a popular sport for many years, but its origins are still a subject of debate. While some believe that badminton originated in India, others believe that it was invented in England. So, is badminton a sport of Indian origin? Let’s find out.
History of Badminton
Badminton is believed to have originated in India in the 1800s. It is believed that British military officers who were stationed in India in the 19th century saw locals playing a game that was similar to badminton. The officers then took the game back to England, where it evolved into the game of badminton that we know today.
Evidence of Indian Origin
One of the main pieces of evidence that suggests badminton is of Indian origin is its name. “Badminton” is a combination of two words – “badge” and “mint”. The former is derived from the Hindu word “badhgah”, which means court, and the latter is associated with the British town of Badminton. This suggests that the game was indeed invented in India and then brought to England.
India has also been credited with the invention of the game’s most important equipment, the shuttlecock. It is believed that the shuttlecock was first used in India and was made from feathers, cotton and wood. This was then adapted by the British to create the modern shuttlecock.
The Rules of Badminton
The rules of badminton were first codified in 1887 by the Badminton Association of England. The original rules were based on a game called “Poona”, which was a popular game in India at the time. Poona was similar to badminton in many ways, including the use of a shuttlecock, the court size, and the rules governing how the game was played.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence, it is clear that badminton is a sport of Indian origin. The game’s name, its equipment, and its rules all suggest that it was invented in India and then adapted by the British. While other countries have since taken up the game and developed it further, its roots can be traced back to India.