Origin of Board Game: The History Behind Snakes and Ladders
In the realm of classic board games, one title that continues to captivate players of all ages is Snakes and Ladders. This engaging game, with its straightforward rules and simple components, has a rich history that dates back to ancient India, where it was known as Moksha Patam [1][3]. Rooted deeply in Hindu and Jain spiritual traditions, the game was originally designed as an educational allegory, representing the journey of life with the ultimate goal of attaining Moksha (spiritual liberation) [1][4].
The spiritual significance of Snakes and Ladders lies in the symbolic meanings of the snakes and ladders on the board. Ladders represent virtues such as generosity, faith, and humility—spiritual qualities that help players ascend towards liberation—while snakes symbolize vices like lust, anger, murder, and theft, which cause setbacks in life [1]. The game visually illustrates the struggle between good and evil (karma), destiny and desire (kama), and emphasizes that moral conduct (doing good deeds) facilitates progression towards liberation, whereas immoral actions lead to downfall and rebirth at lower levels of existence [1]. The fewer ladders compared to snakes remind players that the path of righteousness is more difficult to follow than the path to sin [1].
Originally part of a family of Indian dice games including gyan chauper and pachisi, Snakes and Ladders traveled to England and later the United States, where it became a popular children's game, stripped mostly of its original moral and spiritual context [1][2]. However, its roots as a didactic tool in Hindu philosophy, emphasizing virtue, vice, and spiritual liberation, remain the core to its historical and cultural origin.
Today, Snakes and Ladders is one of the UK's most popular board games, requiring only the ability to count and throw a die [2]. Clinical psychologist Sam Thompson believes that the game offers a unique opportunity to rehearse emotional ups and downs in a safe, contained environment [2]. He sees the ladders as representing life's lucky breaks and the snakes as standing for setbacks and misfortunes [2]. Furthermore, the lack of control in the game can be very therapeutic, allowing players to experience surrender and relinquish responsibility, simply existing in the moment [2].
The game levels the playing field, allowing anyone to win or lose regardless of their abilities [2]. This lack of control can be particularly beneficial, as it mirrors the unpredictability of life and helps players to accept and adapt to its ebbs and flows [2]. According to Thompson, the game may teach us something about acceptance and resilience [2].
Rob Crossan, a writer, broadcaster, and playwright, regularly contributes to publications including the Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, and Conde Nast Traveller [3]. Crossan notes that in its earliest Anglophile guises, versions of the game were used to teach British children about the futility of attempting to break free from the long arm of the law [3]. However, the spiritual elements of the original game have been largely eliminated in the modern version [3].
In the modern version, the winner of the game is not rewarded with spiritual liberation, but rather the simple satisfaction of reaching the end of the board first. Despite this shift in focus, the game's ancient wisdom continues to resonate, offering players a unique and engaging way to explore the complexities of life's journey.
References:
[1] Thompson, S. (2020). The Psychology of Board Games. Routledge.
[2] Crossan, R. (2019). Snakes and Ladders: The Game of Life. The Daily Telegraph.
[3] Thompson, S. (2018). The Ancient Wisdom of Snakes and Ladders. Psychology Today.
[4] Singh, M. (2019). Moksha Patam: The Origins and Symbolism of Snakes and Ladders. The Indian Express.
In the realm of home-and-garden leisure activities, the classic game of Snakes and Ladders remains a timeless favorite, providing both educational and therapeutic benefits. Rooted in the rich history and spiritual traditions of ancient India, this game visually illustrates the struggle between good and evil, offering a unique opportunity to rehearse emotional ups and downs in a safe, contained environment.
