Pachisi

Pachisi: A Cross and Circle Board Game

Pachisi is a cross and circle board game that originated in Ancient India and is described in the ancient text Mahabharata under the name of “Pasha”. The game has been played since at least the 4th century AD, and its popularity has persisted over time. Pachisi is believed to have been played by Akbar, the Mughal Emperor, and his courtiers. The game first appeared in America between 1867 and 1870, where it took on the name of Parcheesi. The rights to the game currently reside with Hasbro.

Popularity and Significance

Pachisi is a popular and significant game due to its rich history and cultural connections. Some reasons for its popularity include:

Origins

The game has been played in India for over a thousand years, and its history can be traced through various historical artifacts and manuscripts.

Cross and Circle

Pachisi is part of a family of games that include Chaupar, Chausar, Nyout, Pancha Keliya, and Edris A Jin, which have been found across North and South America, Asia, and Africa.

Simplicity and Strategy

The game is simple enough for children to learn but offers complex strategies for players to master, making it a classic family game.

Game Components of Pachisi

The Game Components of Pachisi typically include:
– Board: Pachisi boards are usually constructed of cloth, with a central point represented by an elevated stone.
– Cowry Shells: Players use 6 cowry shells to determine their moves.
– Counters: The pieces are made of wood in a beehive shape.

Gameplay

To set up the game, players divide into two teams of two, with each player having their own set of pawns. The gameplay involves moving pieces around the board according to the throw of the dice, with the goal of reaching the central point. The player who reaches the central point first wins the game.

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