The Origin of Ludo Board Game: History & Origins

Posted On August 3, 2023

You must remember, as a child, spending countless hours playing Ludo with family and friends. It was always a fun time filled with laughter and competition. 

But have you ever wondered about the origin of this beloved board game? Where did it come from and how did it become so popular? 

In this blog, we will explore the fascinating story behind the origin of the Ludo game and how it has evolved over time. This game is played all around the world, however, read this blog to know where it was introduced. 

History of Ludo- Who Invented it?

Ludo is a popular board game that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for generations. The game is believed to have originated in India, where it was known as Pachisi. 

Pachisi was played in Mahabharata and this is the earliest where we spot this game in history. Meaning the trace of this game dates back to the sixth century. The relevance of this game is supported by the story when Shakuni used loaded dice to win against Pandavas and made them lose everything.

The game was also popular among Mughal emperor Akbar and it was known as Chaupar in that era. Instead of using the standard size seeds or shells, Emperor Akbar used women from his harem as swans of a life-size game board. 

In 1896, the game was introduced to the British during the colonial era by a man called Alfred Collier. He introduced a modern structure of this game and patented it. The British then modified the game and gave it the name “Royal Ludo” which is Latin for “I play”. 

The game became popular in England and was eventually introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States.

Also Read: Reasons Why Ludo is a Nostalgic Game for 90s Kids

Modern Version of Ludo

Ludo is a game that has been recognized and played around the world for years. The modern version of Ludo is played on a square board with a cross-shaped layout.

Each player has four pieces in a designated color that they must move around the board to reach the centre. The game is won by the player who successfully moves all four pieces to the centre of the board first.

Ludo has become a beloved game around the world, with many different variations and adaptations. It’s a fun and challenging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Also Read: What are Good Ludo Game Player Qualities?

How Playing Ludo Evolved Over the Years?

The method of playing this game has evolved over the years and we can see these changes through the years. Previously, people used to roll the dice with their hands. Now, we have a rolling cup for the dice. 

As mentioned before, Akbar had his own way of playing this game. He was fond of this game and used real people as the pawn on the board.

He made them walk steps according to the results on the dice. He played this game on the life-sized ludo board, that is still drawn where Akbar used to visit or live. You can spot them in Fatehpur Sikri or Agra. 

Over time, playing Ludo has seen significant changes and improvements. From being a simple board game played by families and friends, it has evolved to become an online ludo earning app that can be played with people from all over the world.

How Ludo is Played?

The game is played with a board that has four different colored squares arranged in a cross pattern. Each player has four game pieces that they move around the board by rolling a dice.

The objective of the game is to get all of your game pieces to the centre of the board (called “home”)  before your opponents do. Players roll the dice by turns and take steps according to what comes on the dice. A six on the dice means that they get an extra turn. The one who reaches home the last loses the game.

Also Read: Interesting Facts About the Ludo Game

International Variants of Ludo

There are many different variations of Ludo that are played around the world. Some of the most popular international variants of Ludo include:

1. Parcheesi- This is a popular variant of Ludo that is played in Spain and Latin America. The game is similar to Ludo, but it has a different board layout and different rules concerning how game pieces enter the board.

2. Sorry!- This is a popular board game that is played in the United States. The game is similar to Ludo, but it has different rules concerning how game pieces move around the board.

3. Mensch ärgere dich nicht- This is a popular board game that is played in Germany. The game is similar to Ludo, but it has different rules concerning how game pieces move around the board and how they can be captured.

Also Read: What are the Advantages of Playing Ludo Online?

Conclusion

The game has remained popular for centuries, and it is still enjoyed by people of all ages today. It is a game that brings people together and provides hours of fun and entertainment. 

With its evolution, you can play Ludo online and even earn money. You can install the Ludo Fantasy app on your phone and play with friends to get a chance to earn real money. It is one of the best ludo money-earning apps and also offers easy withdrawals. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who invented the game Ludo?

While the game is known to be originated in India, the person who first patented it was Alfred Collier in 1896. 

• Which country national game is Ludo?

Denmark is the country whose national game is Ludo.