Traditional Indian board games have been a part of Indian culture for centuries and continue to be popular even today. Many of these games have a rich history and are steeped in tradition. These games are not only a source of entertainment, but also a way to bring families and communities together. Here are six traditional Indian board games that are sure to bring back memories and make you nostalgiciac:
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Pachisi/Ludo: This is a popular board game that is played with four players and a set of dice. The objective of the game is to get all of your pieces around the board and back to your home base before anyone else. Pachisi is a game that requires strategy and luck, and is sure to keep you entertained for hours.
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Vamana Guntalu/Pallanguzhi: This is a traditional board game that is played in the state of Tamil Nadu. The game is played on a board with holes, and players use seeds or shells to move their pieces around the board. The objective of the game is to get all of your seeds or shells into the home hole, while also trying to block your opponents from doing the same.
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Daadi/Nine men's morris: This is a strategy game that is played on a board with nine squares. Players take turns placing their pieces on the board, with the objective being to create lines of three pieces in a row. When a player creates a line, they can remove one of their opponent's pieces from the board. The game is won by either getting three lines of pieces, or by trapping all of your opponent's pieces so they can't move.
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Naughts and crosses/Tic-tac-toe: This is a simple game that is played on a 3x3 grid. Players take turns placing their symbol (either an "X" or an "O") on the grid, with the objective being to get three of your symbols in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally). This is a great game for younger children, as it helps them learn basic strategy and problem-solving skills.
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Chakravyuham: This is a two-player strategy game that is played on a board with concentric circles. Players take turns placing their pieces on the board, with the objective being to either capture your opponent's pieces or block them from moving. This is a complex game that requires careful planning and strategy, and is sure to keep you engaged for hours.
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Puli Meka/Lambs and tigers: This is a traditional board game that is played in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The game is played on a board with squares, and players take turns moving their pieces around the board. The objective of the game is to capture your opponent's pieces, with the goal being to either turn all of their pieces into "lambs" or to capture the "tiger" piece.
There are many other traditional Indian board games that are worth exploring, such as Pat-Pagandi-Pachisi/Chaupar, which is a popular game in the state of Rajasthan. These games are a great way to learn about Indian culture and spend quality time with friends and family.