10 Indian Board Games That Your Ancestors Played as Kids
Share
Explore our Indian Traditional Board Games collection
India’s rich cultural heritage includes a treasure trove of traditional board games that have entertained children and families for centuries. These games aren’t just simple pastimes—they are a blend of strategy, learning, and social bonding that have been lovingly passed down through generations. At Roll the Dice, we proudly preserve and offer these ancestral games for today’s families to enjoy.
Here are 10 classic Indian board games your ancestors played, now beautifully crafted and available on Roll the Dice:
1. Pachisi
Often called the national game of India, Pachisi is a classic cross-and-circle game where players race their tokens to the center of the board based on dice rolls. This game hones strategic thinking and luck, making it a family favorite.
2. Chaturanga
Recognized as the ancient precursor to chess, Chaturanga simulates battlefield tactics and demands sharp strategic moves, providing players with a deep mental challenge and historical insight.
3. Ganjifa
These beautifully hand-painted playing cards are used in various traditional Indian card games. Ganjifa is a unique blend of art and strategy that stimulates memory and cognitive skills.
4. Snakes and Ladders
Originally designed as Moksha Patam, this simple and fun game carries lessons of virtue and vice. It’s a perfect introduction to board games for children and families alike.
5. Chowka Bara
Played on a grid similar to Pachisi, Chowka Bara involves dice and strategic movement, providing a delightful and familiar gaming experience deeply rooted in Indian culture.
6. Ashta Chamma
A traditional four-player dice game from South India, Ashta Chamma focuses on moving pieces based on dice throws with rules that encourage critical thinking and chance.
7. Lavani
A lesser-known but culturally rich game involving card play and strategic bragging, Lavani captures heritage and social fun in a playful format.
8. Kharbaga (Indian version of Fox and Geese)
This strategic board game involves pursuit and capture strategies, engaging players in thoughtful planning and interaction.
9. Paramapadam
A variant of Snakes and Ladders emphasizing spiritual progress, Paramapadam teaches morals while delivering entertainment to players of all ages.
10. Moksha Patam
The oldest form of Snakes and Ladders, this game grounded in Indian philosophy blends fun dice mechanics with lessons on life and karma.
Why Choose These Ancestral Games Today?
These traditional Indian board games connect families with their heritage while encouraging:
- Social Bonding: Play together and create lasting memories.
- Mental Skills: Improve strategy, counting, and decision-making.
- Cultural Learning: Experience the stories and values behind the games.
At Roll the Dice, every game is crafted with care to preserve authenticity while making gameplay smooth and enjoyable. These games are perfect for family gatherings, classrooms, or collectors with a passion for heritage games.
Dive into your roots and rediscover the joy of these ancient Indian board games by exploring our Indian Traditional Board Games collection at Roll the Dice. Bring home history, fun, and education in one beautiful package.