Ashtapada (-350)

Ashtapada

Ashtapada is an Indian board game that predates chess and was mentioned on the list of games that Gautama Buddha would not play. Chaturanga, which could be played on the same board, appeared sometime around the 6th century in India. The word Ashtāada is a Sanskrit term describing the 8×8 board that the game is played on. The game was even condemned in an early Brahman text, the Sutrakrilānga.

Why is Ashtapada Popular?

Ashtapada is one of the oldest board games in India and is seen mentioned in the earliest known list of games as one in which the Gautama Buddha wouldn’t play. It is possibly the first game played on an 8×8 game board in India. Later, this size of board would be used to create the popular and skilled game of Chess.

Game Components of Ashtapada

An 8×8 board with special markings known as “castles”. Pieces for each player.

Game Setup of Ashtapada

Each player receives an even number of pieces to play the game.

Gameplay Mechanics of Ashtapada

Like a chessboard, the Ashtāpada board is divided into an 8×8 grid of squares, although they are all the same color. The board has special markings known as “castles”, where pieces are safe from being captured or removed from play. The goal is to move a piece around the board clockwise, entering the castle, and to regain his castle back in a counterclockwise direction so as to make it reach the center.

Game Objective of Ashtapada

The objective of the game is to be the first player to enter and exit both his pieces. A player exits his piece once reaching the center squares.

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