
The clear answer to Which Game Is the Origin of Ludo is Pachisi, an ancient board game from India. Ludo did not appear on its own. It came from Pachisi, which people in India played hundreds of years ago. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, Pachisi is one of the oldest known board games in the world and is the direct ancestor of modern Ludo.
Pachisi was played on a cloth board shaped like a cross. Players used cowrie shells instead of dice. The game was popular in Indian homes and royal courts. Historical records often mention Mughal emperors playing it for leisure.
Later, during British rule in India, this traditional game was simplified. That simpler version became what we now know as Ludo.
The Original Game Behind Ludo — Pachisi
Pachisi began in India long before Ludo existed. Historians trace it back over a thousand years. According to Wikipedia and Encyclopaedia Britannica, Pachisi was widely played across the Indian subcontinent as a family and social game.
The board was usually made of cloth and laid on the ground. It had a cross shape, not a square. Players moved their pieces using cowrie shells, which worked like today’s dice. Each throw depended on how the shells landed. This made the game both simple and exciting.
Pachisi was more than a pastime. It appeared in ancient texts and artwork. Mughal emperor Akbar famously played a large version with people acting as pieces. This shows how deeply the game was woven into Indian culture.
Also read – Who Invented Ludo Game?
How Pachisi Turned Into Modern Ludo
The change from Pachisi to Ludo happened during British rule in India. British officers and travelers enjoyed Pachisi but found it complex. To make it easier, they simplified the rules and redesigned the board. According to Wikipedia, this new version was officially patented in England in 1896 under the name “Ludo.”
Several changes were made. The cloth board became a printed square board. Cowrie shells were replaced with a single dice. The number of moves and rules were reduced. These updates made the game quicker and easier to learn.
This simpler design helped Ludo spread fast. It became popular in Europe and later in other parts of the world. Even today, the core idea remains the same as Pachisi. Race your pieces home before others.
India’s Cultural Influence on Ludo
India played a major role in shaping what Ludo is today. Pachisi was not just a game. It was part of daily life. Families played it at home. Kings played it in palaces. According to historical records mentioned by Encyclopaedia Britannica, the game reflected Indian traditions of strategy, patience, and social bonding.
One famous example is Mughal emperor Akbar. He played Pachisi on a large outdoor board, using people as game pieces. This story appears in several historical writings and paintings. It shows how important the game was in Indian culture.
Because Pachisi was already popular and easy to adapt, it survived changes over time. When the British simplified it, the Indian foundation stayed strong. That cultural base is why Ludo still feels familiar today.
Also read – How to Hire Ludo Game Developers
Ludo’s Growth in the Digital Age
Ludo became popular again with the rise of smartphones. As mobile gaming grew, classic board games moved online. Ludo was an easy choice. Simple rules. Short matches. Fun with friends. According to reports covered by The Times of India, online Ludo games saw a huge rise in users during the smartphone and lockdown years.
Digital versions added new features. Online multiplayer. Private rooms. Voice chat. These updates kept the game social, even without a physical board. Players could now enjoy Ludo anytime, anywhere.
Because of this demand, many businesses started investing in custom Ludo apps. Wrathcode helps brands build modern Ludo platforms, and many clients trust it as the Best Ludo Game Development Company for creating smooth, secure, and scalable Ludo games.
FAQs
Ludo is based on Pachisi, an ancient Indian board game. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, Pachisi is the direct ancestor of modern Ludo and was played in India centuries before Ludo was created.
Yes, Pachisi is still played in some parts of India, often in traditional or regional forms. While it is less common than Ludo, the original game is still remembered and practiced during cultural events and family gatherings.
The modern version of Ludo was created by the British. It was patented in England in 1896, after simplifying Pachisi’s rules and board design for easier play.
Conclusion
Ludo did not begin as a modern board game. Its true origin lies in Pachisi, a traditional Indian game played for centuries. Historical sources like Encyclopaedia Britannica and Wikipedia clearly show how Pachisi shaped the rules, movement, and spirit of Ludo.
When the British simplified Pachisi in 1896, they created a version that was easier to learn and share. That version spread worldwide and became the Ludo we know today. Still, its Indian roots remain visible in every move.
From ancient cloth boards to mobile apps, Ludo’s journey shows how a simple idea can last across generations. Understanding its origin makes the game even more meaningful to play.
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