Indian Matka is a popular game of chance that has been played in India for decades. The game has an interesting history that dates back to the pre-independence era. In this article, we will explore the origins and evolution of Indian Matka.
The Early Days of Indian Matka
The origins of Indian Matka can be traced back to the 1960s, when the game was played in the streets of Mumbai. The game was popular among textile mill workers who were looking for a way to make some extra money. It is said that the game was invented by a man named Kalyanji Bhagat, who used to run a grocery store in Worli, Mumbai.
Bhagat was a keen observer of the trends in the textile industry and the lives of mill workers. He noticed that many of the workers were involved in illegal gambling activities, and he decided to create a game that would offer them a more legal and regulated form of entertainment.
The Evolution of Indian Matka
Indian Matka quickly gained popularity among the mill workers, and it soon spread to other parts of Mumbai and beyond. The game became a way for people to make quick money, and it was played both in the streets and in private clubs.
In the 1970s, the game underwent a significant transformation. A man named Ratan Khatri, who was a textile mill owner, introduced new rules to the game and made it more organized. Khatri introduced a new pot system in which three numbers were drawn from a pack of playing cards, and the game was played twice a day.
Khatri’s version of Indian Matka became known as the New Worli Matka, and it quickly became popular among the masses. The game was played both legally and illegally, with many people setting up their own Matka dens to play the game.
The Legal Status of Indian Matka
Despite its popularity, Indian Matka has always been a controversial game. The game is illegal in India, but it is still played in many parts of the country. The government has banned the game due to its potential for fraud and its negative impact on society.
Over the years, there have been several attempts to legalize Indian Matka. In 1995, the Maharashtra government passed a law that legalized Matka games and allowed them to be played in licensed clubs. However, the law was struck down by the Bombay High Court in 1997, citing concerns over the negative impact of the game on society.
Today, Indian Matka is still played in underground networks and online. The game has evolved over the years, with new variations and betting options being introduced. Despite its illegal status, the game continues to attract a large following, especially in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.
Conclusion:
Indian Matka is a game that has been played in India for decades. The game has an interesting history that dates back to the pre-independence era. The game was invented by Kalyanji Bhagat, a grocery store owner in Mumbai, who wanted to create a legal and regulated form of entertainment for mill workers.
Over the years, the game evolved, and new rules and variations were introduced. Ratan Khatri, a textile mill owner, introduced new rules to the game in the 1970s, making it more organized and popular among the masses.
Despite its popularity, Indian Matka is illegal in India. The government has banned the game due to its potential for fraud and its negative impact on society. However, the game continues to be played in underground networks and online, attracting a large following in Mumbai and other parts of the country.
