Deshi Ramato
Added to library: September 1, 2025

Summary
Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Deshi Ramato" by Shamjibhai K Jamod, based on the provided pages:
Book Title: Deshi Ramato (Local/Traditional Games) Author: Shamjibhai K Jamod (described as Vyayamvisharad, Pravinya, Nutan Bal Shikshak - an expert in physical education, proficient, and a modern child educator) Publisher: Sastu Sahitya Vardhak Karyalay (Sastū Sāhitya Vardhak Karyālay) Publication Details:
- Third Edition
- Published in Samvat 2026 (Gujarati calendar), corresponding to 1970 CE.
- Printed and published by Tribhuvandas K. Thakkar at Sastu Sahitya Mudranalay, Bhadra, Ahmedabad.
- Copyright reserved by the publisher.
Introduction and Purpose (Pages 4-5):
The book is being re-published as a third edition. The introduction emphasizes the significant importance of sports and exercises for children and youth. It notes a lack of sufficient attention given to these activities in homes and schools today. Therefore, it is crucial to have books that provide useful and detailed information about traditional Indian games.
The author, Shamjibhai K Jamod, was inspired to write "Deshi Ramato" after the positive reception of his earlier book for younger children, "Bal Ramato" (Children's Games). He expresses happiness in presenting this collection of games. The author hopes that this book will aid in the development of both the physical and mental well-being of children through play, especially as games are gaining more prominence in schools.
Guidance for Child Educators/Teachers (Pages 6-7):
This section provides general advice for teachers and coaches on how to conduct games for children, regardless of their individual methods. Key points include:
- Demonstration over Explanation: Explain or demonstrate the game rather than just talking about it.
- Concise and Clear Instructions: Give instructions in short, clear words. For longer games, explain and play them in stages.
- Discipline and Conduct: No pushing, shoving, or shouting before or during the game. Players should only use necessary game-related terms.
- Encouragement: Provide encouragement, which should be practical and not just verbal.
- Child-Led Play: Allow children to play on their own. They are happiest when they create and manage games themselves.
- Balance of Discipline and Freedom: Avoid excessive strictness or excessive leniency. The teacher should act like an elder brother, not a military officer.
- Handling Mistakes: Children's mistakes should be met with a smile. Avoid scolding, hitting, or any form of punishment.
- Responsibility for Failure: If a game is unsuccessful, blame should be placed on the conductor or innovator, not the children.
- Adaptability: Games can be modified. Choose games based on time and location.
- Simple Rules, Strict Enforcement: Games should have minimal rules, but those rules must be strictly followed.
- Repetition for Understanding: Playing a game repeatedly helps children understand its essence and intricacies.
- Eliminate Greed and Excessive Competition: Remove greed and the element of rivalry. Make the concept of winning and losing lighthearted.
- Observation: Keep individual records of how a child behaves during games, as this is important for their development.
List of Games (Index - Pages 8-11):
The book contains a comprehensive index of 121 traditional Indian games (as stated on page 4). The index lists the games alphabetically or numerically, often with page numbers, suggesting a detailed explanation for each. The games are categorized for different age groups:
- "Deshi Patho" (Local Lessons/Content): This section appears to be a list of other books or materials offered by the publisher.
- "Deshi Ramato" (Traditional Games): The main content. The index provides an extensive list, covering a wide range of activities. Some of the games mentioned include:
- Aarpar Dod (Run Across)
- Andhala Ane Akhado (Blind Man's Maze/Arena)
- Itte Itte Pani (A water-related game)
- Kapya Kaji
- Karadkan Tare
- Kedi Pakdo (Catch the Prisoner)
- Kabar-Kagda (Magpie-Crow game)
- Kedi Kedi (Prisoner Prisoner)
- Kela Tod (Banana Breaking)
- Kothli Phod (Bag Breaking)
- Kothali Dod (Sack Race)
- Galiyado Dod (Hoop Race)
- Gher Jao (Go Home)
- Chanank Chibadi
- Chiththi Ramat (Chit Game - Action Chit)
- China Satali (Chinese Hopscotch/Tag)
- Beti Hodi (Sitting Boat)
- Bet Teen Panch (Two Three Five)
- Bandhchod
- Ankvartul (Number Circle)
- Aambali Pipali (Tamarind Pipali Tree game)
- Andhlanu Gadun (Blind Man's Cart)
- Oshikayuddha (Pillow Fight)
- Antakdi (Antakshari/Word Chain)
- Ubhi Chhe (Is Standing)
- Kukdani Ladai (Cock Fight)
- Kanthla Passar (Shuttle Relay)
- Kirikitati
- Kharopat
- Khutamni Dav
- Khade Ho! (Stand Up!)
- Gardan Jor (Neck Strength)
- Gun-Dosh-Shodh (Good-Bad Search)
- Gedi Duda (A game with a stick and ball)
- Jorajori (Pushing/Pulling contest)
- Zhanda Zapat (Flag Capture)
- Zanzir (Chain)
- Topi Passar (Hat Pass)
- Topli Duda (Basket Ball game?)
- Thokar (Stumble/Obstacle)
- Tofani Ghedo (Stormy Horse)
- Dada Padav (Ball Drop)
- Dada Zheel (Catch Catch)
- Dada Maar (Ball Hit)
- Number Badal (Number Change)
- Nishan Dod (Target Run)
- Nayak Shodh (Hero Search)
- Nav Kukri (Nine Hens/Chickens)
- Naliyer Ni Ramato (Coconut Games)
- Popat Ude (Parrot Flies)
- Pheru (Footprint/Track)
- Bundle Dod (Bundle Race)
- Batata Upad (Potato Picking)
- Bomb
- Beti Langadi (Sitting Hopscotch)
- Bat-Dada (Bat-Ball)
- Be Kundali (Two Circles)
- Bus (Agdam Bagdam)
- Bheet Dod (Wall Run)
- Bhagdatui (Hututu/Kabaddi variant)
- Bhaiyo (Brothers)
- Moi Dandiya (Moi Dandiya game)
- Min Bhundu (Mino Bhundu game)
- Mungi Ladai (Silent Fight)
- Man Perekha (Mind Test)
- Mada Passar (Mada Pass game)
- Mundho (Headless?)
- Matli Dav Par (At the Matli-game)
- Yadshakti (Memory)
- Langadi Dhakkabakki (Hopscotch Push/Shove)
- Lathikudan (Stick Jump)
- Lathi Seraviyo Dav (Stick Gymnastics/Display)
- Vigh Dod (Obstacle Race)
- Sambur
- Sandesho Mokalo (Send a Message)
- Sol Kukri (Sixteen Hens/Chickens)
- Satodiyu (Seven Stones game)
- Sherdi Ni Ramato (Sugarcane Games)
- Hodi (Boat)
- Games for 13-15 Years Old (Page 12): This implies a section dedicated to games suitable for this age group, likely continuing the alphabetical list.
Content of Selected Games (Examples - Pages 14-42):
The provided text then details many of these games, often including:
- Number of Players: Recommended participant count.
- Equipment: Any required materials (balls, sticks, ropes, blindfolds, etc.).
- Preparation: How to set up the game.
- How to Play: Step-by-step instructions.
- Notes: Additional tips or variations.
- Special Features: Any unique aspects or benefits of the game.
For instance, games like "Aarpar Dod" (running across a field, with a twist of dodging), "Andhala Ane Akhado" (a blindfolded game involving chasing and catching), "Itte Itte Pani" (a circle game with specific actions), "Kedi Pakdo" (prisoner capture), and "Kabar-Kagda" (a team game involving calling out bird names to chase or be chased) are explained in detail. The descriptions often capture the essence of traditional, often simple, yet engaging children's activities. The language used is accessible and descriptive, aiming to make the games easy to understand and play.
Publisher's Catalog (Pages 7, 121-130):
The latter part of the provided text includes a catalog of other books published by "Sastu Sahitya Vardhak Karyalay." This catalog covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- Religious scriptures and Puranas (Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, various Puranas, Upanishads).
- Dharma and Morality (ethics, teachings of Chanakya, moral stories).
- Devotional literature (bhajans, songs, lives of saints).
- Vedanta and Philosophy.
- Biographies (religious figures, historical personalities, saints).
- Health and Ayurveda (medical texts, health advice).
- Bhajans and Collections of Songs.
- Narratives and Novels (stories, historical accounts).
- Dramas.
Overall Significance:
"Deshi Ramato" is a valuable compilation of traditional Indian games, presented with the aim of promoting physical activity and holistic development in children and youth. It serves as a cultural repository of these games, offering detailed instructions and encouragement for their revival and practice. The book reflects a commitment to providing educational and wholesome literature, as indicated by the publisher's extensive catalog.