Thursday, April 2, 2015

The ancient Indian game

Pachisi is one of India's oldest games. It is also known as Pagade, Chaupar, Chaupad, Dayakattam, Kori Khel. 
                           
It is believed that the Mughal Emperor Akbar played Pachisi and had women slaves from his harem play as coins/pieces. 

Pachisi Court in Fatehpur Sikri

Pachisi was played in many different ways across India. Some played it with cowrie shells while others played it with wooden or brass dice. There are many variations in the board itself. The rules also differed. It is believed that Pachisi was a poor man's game as it was played with cowrie shells as dice and the Royals played Chaupar - the game with wooden dice.

Wives playing Chaupar
(Image Source : A Second Paradise - Indian Courtly Life by Naveen Patnaik)

Pachisi is also believed to be the game of dice that gave rise to problems between the Kauravas and Pandavas that later ended in a war. 
Image Source Unkown
Image Source Unkown

Did you know that Ludo is a western interpretation of Pachisi? That is how cool this game is! And that is exactly why this company calls itself Pachisi - it is cool, super awesome and Indian :)

Pachisi on fabric is now available. To buy, write in to info@pachisi.co.in


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