How well do you really know India?

Over 1.3 billion people live in India, making it the 2nd most populous country in the world. With such a huge diversity of landscapes, religions, and cultures, these Indian facts have the power to energize your senses.

Chess was invented in India

Chess is considered to be the toughest board game in the world. The roots of chess belong to India. The earliest versions of the game probably originated in India, by the 7th century AD. There are mentions of Shivaji and Akbar playing the game of chess during their reign.

Village with no doors and locks

There is actually a village by the name of Shani Shingnapur in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, where people do not have doors and locks in their shops and homes. According to the villagers, Lord Shani watches over the village and protects them from the evil eye. There are more than 4000 people living in the village.

World’s Highest Motorable Road is in India

The world's highest motorable road passes through Umling La Top in Ladakh at a height of over 19,300 feet and connects Chisumle and Demchok villages, located 230km from Leh. It is considered a pilgrimage for lots of bikers and travelers.

The world’s oldest university was in India

Nalanda was an acclaimed Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) in India. For over 800 years, Nalanda University was one of the best universities in the world. Students from across the globe came here to study in one of the greatest libraries in the world.