Fascinating Evolution Of Snakes And Ladders Over The Years
Preetha Mani
Updated on August 21, 2023
Snakes and Ladders is a popular fun game loved by children and adults. It has remained a classic for centuries. But have you ever wondered where and how the game came to be? In this blog, let’s dive into the fascinating history of Snakes and Ladders, exploring its origins, adaptations, and impact on fun games. Whether you're a fan of the game or just curious about its history, this blog is for you.
The origin story
Although the Snake and Ladder game online is simple with no consequences for failures, its engagement has made it a favorite game night entertainment for centuries. However, the story behind the origin of this legendary game is a curious one.
The game originated in ancient India, but there is debate about who invented it and when. While some believe that Saint Gyandev invented the game in the thirteenth century AD, others believe it was a Jain priest. The original name given to the game is Gyan chauper or Moksha Patam, which loosely translates to the path to spiritual liberation. The objective was to teach children morals and ethics, with the snakes and ladders representing virtues and vices, respectively. The game is played on a board of squares arranged like a grid, and each square represents a particular virtue or vice. Players use a die to move their pieces along the board according to the number rolled.
The game eventually made its way to England, where it was first commercially produced in the late 19th century. It became an instant hit and quickly spread to other parts of the world. Over centuries, the game has been modified and adapted by different cultures, with varying numbers of squares and themes. However, the basic gameplay remains the same. Today, Snakes and Ladders are one of the popular online board games for children and adults. The simple gameplay and moral message have made it a beloved classic for generations.
Karmic teachings and religious relations
Karmic and religious teachings of Snakes and Ladders were based on Hindu philosophy and taught to children in ancient India to help them understand the concepts of karma and dharma, which are central to Hindu philosophy. The moral lesson of the game was that good deeds get rewarded, and bad deeds get punished. Parents and teachers would use the game to impart moral and ethical values to children. This concept of teaching children life-long lessons through online fun games is being carried on in schools today.
Modern edition
The modern-day version of Snakes and Ladders is similar to the original game but modified to suit the beliefs of the regions it’s played in. The board usually has 100 squares arranged in a 10x10 grid, played by two or more players. The game is still played with dice, and players still move their pieces along the board according to the number they roll. Today’s version has fewer snake to ladder ratio than the original one to have equal redemption opportunities.
What’s in a name?
Different regions in the world have different names for the game. In the United States, it is called Chutes and Ladders. In England, it is called Snakes and Ladders. The philosophy of the game is acclimated to fit different geographic and cultural settings. The snakes and ladders are shown as gods or other mythological figures in some versions while representing both good and bad life experiences in others. The Western world replaces the ideologies of desire and destiny with its own. The ladders represent virtues such as generosity, faith, and humility, while the snakes represent vices such as lust, anger, murder, and theft.
Conclusion and impact
Snakes and Ladders became popular worldwide due to its simple gameplay and moral message. It was a beloved game for epochs by children and adults alike. Its impact on the world of free online games has been significant, inspiring many other games with similar gameplay and design. They include Candy Land, Shoots & Ladders, and Don't Wake Daddy. The game is a statement that ancient games with simple gameplay can be just as fun as games designed today.
