The game of Snakes and Ladders, also known as Chutes and Ladders, has a long and fascinating history. Its origins can be traced back to ancient India, where it was originally called “Moksha Patam” or “Paramapada Sopanam.” It is part of a family of Indian dice board games that includes Ludo and Chess.

Inventor of Snakes and Ladders game

The exact inventor of the game is unknown, as it has evolved over centuries and its origins have become intertwined with mythology and folklore. The Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, mentions Moksha Patam in the story of Yudhishthira’s journey to heaven. Yudhishthira encounters a celestial being who challenges him to a game of dice, which is described as a metaphorical representation of life’s ups and downs, victories, and losses.

The game’s original purpose was to teach moral values and the concepts of karma and destiny. The board was designed as a symbolic representation of life’s journey, with ladders representing virtues and good deeds that elevate a person closer to enlightenment, while snakes represented vices and bad deeds that brought them down.

Moksha Patam as a teaching tool to kids

Moksha Patam became a popular pastime in ancient India and spread to other parts of the world over time. It was introduced to England by the end of the 19th century, where it was modified and rebranded as Snakes and Ladders. The game gained popularity among children and was used as a tool to teach counting and moral lessons.

The modern version of Snakes and Ladders features a square board divided into numbered squares. Snakes and ladders are placed at various positions, connecting different squares on the board. Players roll a dice and move their tokens along the board, climbing ladders or sliding down snakes based on the number they roll. The objective is to reach the top square first, representing the attainment of salvation or enlightenment.

While the original inventor remains unknown, Snakes and Ladders has endured for centuries, evolving and adapting across different cultures and generations. Its moral teachings and simplicity have made it a popular game worldwide, enjoyed by both children and adults alike.

Snakes and Ladders, like many traditional board games, has been adapted for the digital realm with the advent of the internet and online gaming. Online versions of Snakes and Ladders allow players to enjoy the game without the physical board and game pieces and helps users to interact remotely.