Transformation of Moksha Patamu to Snakes and Ladders

Modernization of the world has changed the way we think about Indian games and their history. According to the history commonly known board game ‘Snakes and Ladders' has its roots in India. The game was originated in ancient India, where it was known as Mokshapat or Moksha Patamu.

It is believed that the game was played as early as in 2nd century BC. According to some historians, the game was invented by Saint Gyandev in the 13th century AD. Originally, the game was used as a part of moral instruction to children.

As per the historians, the squares in which ladders start were each supposed to stand for a virtue, and those housing the head of a snake were supposed to stand for an evil.

The snakes outnumbered the ladders in the original Hindu game. The game was transported to England by the colonial rulers in the latter part of the 19th century, with some modifications.

The modified game was named Snakes and Ladders which were stripped of its moral and religious aspects in which the number of ladders and snakes were equalized. In 1943, the game was introduced in the US under the name Chutes and Ladders.

Content: Wikipedia