Chaupar, an ancient board game, holds a significant place in the cultural tapestry of India. This game, with its intriguing past and enduring appeal, continues to captivate players across generations, embodying the timelessness of board games in India.

Chaupar, also known as chaupad or chausar, is derived from the word chaupara, a compound of cau, meaning four and para, referring to the cloth (board or table), indicating the four arms of the playing surface. This game is also known as pachisi (derived from the word pachis, signifying twenty-five, the highest possible throw in the game). Today, Ludo is the most commonly played version of chaupar, although the traditional form continues to be played in some regions of India.

The board of the game is formed by two arms intersecting at a perpendicular angle, creating a cross-shaped structure. The number of players and rules vary across different regions in India. The game is traditionally played on a cloth that serves as a board, although engravings on the floor and boards made of wood or other materials can also be used.

The board of the game is formed by two arms intersecting at a perpendicular angle, creating a cross-shaped structure. The number of players and rules vary across different regions in India. The game is traditionally played on a cloth that serves as a board, although engravings on the floor and boards made of wood or other materials can also be used.

While chaupar is played with three four-sided long dice, another version of this game, known as pachisi, is played with cowrie shells. The game involves moving board pieces in a counter-clockwise direction based on the throw of dice or cowrie shells, incorporating elements of luck and strategy. The game is a race to the finish, to get all pawns into the central square.

The origins of chaupar are disputed. While some scholars speculate that the ancient epic, the Mahabharata, mentions a gambling game with rectangular dice, others report that Shiva and Parvati are engaged in a game of dice. However, in the absence of any description of the board or gameplay, it cannot be determined with certainty whether these games are chaupar or pachisi.

The earliest surviving reference to chaupar in the Indian subcontinent dates back to the Mughal period. Abul-Fazl, the court chronicler of Emperor Akbar, mentions the rules and popularity of the game among the people of the Indian subcontinent, implying that it predated Mughal rule. The game was played with sixteen pieces, three dice, and a board shaped like a cross.

It is interesting to note that Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Mughal empire, built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, features a pachisi court. This court has a floor resembling a board divided into red and white squares, with a four-foot raised stone serving as the central point. The emperor, accompanied by noblemen, played the game using men as board pieces. Additionally, Zeb-un-Nissa, the eldest daughter of Aurangzeb, is said to have been fond of the game.

The miniature paintings, dating from the 17th to the 18th centuries, provide further evidence of the game’s popularity during this period. They depict noblemen and women playing the game with the use of dice.

The 18th century saw the establishment of British rule in the Indian subcontinent. During this period, pachisi or chaupar became popular among the common people. Various photographs and colonial records provide evidence of people from all walks of life playing the game in various forms.

The British adopted the game and eventually introduced it in America as Parcheesi and in Europe as Ludo. In the late 19th century, Alfred Collier patented the game as Royal Ludo in England, granting him commercial rights and barring others from replicating it. The Ludo board was made of cardboard or wood, and the game pieces were standardised as coloured pegs. Ludo retained the fundamental gameplay of chaupar and, with its vibrant colours, simple rules, and emphasis on chance, became widely popular not just in Europe but across the world.

Today, traditional board games like chaupar persist as a symbol of heritage and community bonding in many parts of India. In rural areas, chaupar or pachisi remains a cherished pastime during leisure hours or festive occasions. At the same time, traditional chaupar boards and handmade pieces are treasured heirlooms, the accessibility and convenience of Ludo on digital platforms have ensured its continued popularity among the masses.

The history of chaupar is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Indian games. Its evolution, from a symbolic and strategic pastime to a revered piece of heritage, showcases its resilience through the ages. As it continues to stand the test of time, chaupar remains a cultural treasure, embodying the essence of tradition and fostering connections across generations.

History of Dice

The earliest evidence of dice in the Indian subcontinent is found in the sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation, dating from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The excavations at sites such as Mohenjo-daro, Rakhigarhi and Lothal have yielded cubical and rectangular dice with various engravings. Additionally, the Rigveda, dated between 3000 BCE and 1000 BCE, contains references to the use of dice by men. Subsequently, dice have been discovered in various early historic sites of Ujjain, Mathura, Hastinapura, and Kausambi.