5 Indian Board Games You’ve Probably Never Heard Of - RolltheDice
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Traditional Indian board games are packed with culture, strategy, and story—but many captivating titles still fly under the radar for modern families and collectors. This quick guide spotlights lesser‑known classics that are easy to learn, beautiful to display, and perfect for expanding a home game library.
Why these rare gems
These games offer simple rules with surprising depth, making them ideal for short sessions that still feel strategic and satisfying. Their tactile materials—wooden pieces, shells, and cotton mats—add a sensory charm that screens can’t match and look great in living rooms or classrooms. Choosing a mix of luck‑and‑strategy titles keeps multi‑age play inclusive while honoring diverse regional traditions.
The five games
- Pagade (Pachisi family): A royal race game older than Ludo, best enjoyed on cloth boards with cowries or dice—great for fast, social play.
- Aadu Huli (Tigers & Goats): An asymmetric strategy duel where one side outsmarts and the other surrounds—quick to learn, endlessly replayable.
- Alaguli Mane (Pallanguzhi): A South Indian mancala variant that builds counting and planning skills using shells in carved wooden boards.
- Chowka Bara (7‑house variant): A lively race-and-block game on cotton mats with colorful pawns—luck meets tactics in every roll.
- Chausar: A classic cross-and-circle strategy with rich lore, played with fabric boards and sturdy pawns for heirloom appeal.
How to pick the right set
- Prioritize handcrafted boards with high‑contrast grids and easy‑grip pieces for visibility and comfort.
- Start with one race game (Pagade/Chowka Bara) plus one strategy game (Aadu Huli/Chausar) to balance luck and planning.
- Look for travel‑friendly cloth mats and neatly boxed sets to make storage and gifting effortless.
Play tips
- Set 30–45 minute sessions so everyone gets multiple turns and the table energy stays high.
- Rotate partners across rounds to mix skill levels and keep the social vibe fresh.
- Celebrate small milestones—first capture, first lap—to keep beginners engaged and confident.
Where to find them
Explore handcrafted cloth mats, wooden boards, and colorful pawns curated for family play and display on the Roll the Dice store. Many sets include clear instructions, making setup simple for first‑time players and gift recipients.