Snake & Ladders patented in 1892 by British toymaker Frederick Henry Ayres was originally invented in India and was called 'मोक्षपातम्' or 'परम् पदम्' or 'ज्ञान चौपड़' to impart Hindu principles of Moksha, righteousness, Good and Bad to the children. #Thread
Believed to be developed by Marathi saint, Dnyaneshwar, in the 13th century, this board game served as a tool for teaching karmic theory to younger pupils of Jainism. Each square reflected a moral action, celestial location leading to cosmic journey across the board.
Game of Heaven and Hell (Jnana Bagi). Each square has not only a number but a legend which comprises the names of various virtues and vices. The longest ladder reaches from square 17 'Compassionate Love' to 69'.
Gyan Chaupar was eventually adopted by the West with names like Kismet, Virtue Rewarded and Vice Punished. It was adopted by them as per their basic Christian Morality.
Snakes and ladders game as is played today in most countries including India.
This is Persian Snakes and Ladders
This German version of Lieterspiel does away with snakes entirely in lieu of circus elements
In Mexico, it is called Museo del juguete
Originally, invented to teach values to children now has become a race-to-the-finish game for children and families