From India To The World: Snakes And Ladders in India as Moksha Patam

Nowadays, kids are introduced to technology and mobile phones as soon as they are born. But for us 90s and early 2000s kids, childhood was all about board games. And if we are talking about favorites, snake & ladder ranks near the top. The thrill of climbing a tall ladder, the relief of barely avoiding a snake and the heartbreak of being bitten just before the finish line made it an unforgettable part of growing up. 

Moksha Patam- a game on life lessons

But isn't it strange that many of us don't know that this beloved game has its origins in India? Snake and ladder is actually a modern adaptation of Moksha Patam, a game created in Vedic India to impart life lessons. Yet the fact that most of us have played this game without realizing its deeper wisdom only adds to its mystery. So, let's change that today and uncover what snake and ladder truly has to offer.

It is said that Moksha Patam was created in ancient India by a Marathi Saint-Sant Dnyaneshwar. Based on Hindu philosophy, the game was used to teach children moral values. It was not merely a game, but a metaphorical representation of life's journey, filled with teachings of ethics, fate and moving towards a greater goal.

Life lessons by Moksha Patam

Earlier versions of Moksha Patam were painted on clothes, some of which also included paintings of gods and celestial beings at the top and humans, animals and other earthly beings at the bottom. The ladders in the game symbolized virtues like faith, generosity, knowledge and self-discipline while the snakes depicted vices such as theft, lying, arrogance, vulgarity, violence etc. Together these components created a powerful instrument to understand life's journey. 

Moving up the ladder represented progress towards success with the help of virtues while getting bitten by a snake illustrated how a single wrongdoing can set one back. It's interesting to note that there were intentionally more snakes in the game than ladder, mirroring how there are often more failures and hurdles in life than triumphs.

Reaching the top required both endurance and perseverance as the final block symbolized "Moksha" or salvation signifying those who persevere and overcome life challenges ultimately attain success or self- realization. Dependent on the random fall of dice or cowrie shells, this game also taught us the concept of fate and unpredictability in life. However, despite the uncertainty, it conveyed a positive message that by constant efforts and adherence to moral values, a person can reach success. 

Snakes and ladders today

While Moksha Patam was based on Hindu philosophy, it had many other versions and names across different religions like Gyan Chaupar for Jain's, Vaikunthapali for Telegus or Shatranj Al- ‘Urafa for Muslims. These games were used by these communities to represent their thoughts on religion and moral beliefs.

In the 1890s, Moksha Patam gained popularity amongst British people and travelled to England where the Hindu principles were replaced by Victorian principles, and it was renamed as “Snakes and Ladders”. The later version of Snakes and Ladders no longer included any moral teachings and was simply used as a form of entertainment, as it is today.

In its journey from Moksha Patam to Snakes and Ladders, it underwent significant transformation, shedding its deep philosophical roots for a simpler recreational cause.

Yet, the original game remains as a reminder of how games in ancient times were often designed with profound meanings and teaching values. Moksha Patam may be lost in its modern version but it's legacy still symbolises life's unpredictable path where virtues and vices play their role and perseverance is the key to reach the ultimate success.