Merchant Ambassador Ludo

The earliest proof of this game dates back to the 6th century in the historic Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, India, where the board game was depicted in the form illustrations on the wall. The history & origins of using this shape are thought to link to the concept of classifying of all things according to the Four Directions by means of divinatory arrows. Ludo was known by many names across different times in Indian history, like ‘Chausar’, ‘Chopad’ or ‘Pachisi’. The game eventually became famous around the world, with regional variations and under new names. The Spanish version of the game was known by the name ‘Parcheesi’ and the Chinese called it ‘Chatush pada’ (meaning four cloth). It was played on various mediums like cloth, slate, boards using seeds, shells, staves or dice. Though the player has some choice in what to do, luck dominates in deciding who wins and who loses, making it an excellent game to play for children. Up to four players each have four pieces, which they race around the outside of a cross-shaped board according to the throws of a single six-sided dice. Once a piece has completed a circuit, it turns towards the centre of the board where it finishes its journey. The first player to get all four pieces to the centre wins the game.