Parcheesi History

Parcheesi has long been a favorite American board game and is the national game of India. Like many board games, Parcheesi has a long history in many cultures. The game has changed little over the years. The boxed board game version currently sold in American stores greatly resembles the original Indian cloth version. Parcheesi remains a popular game of both chance and strategy. Parcheesi variations continue to be played throughout the world.

Identification

Parcheesi, also known by the names Pachisi and Twenty-five, originated as an ancient game in India. The name Pachisi comes from the Indian word for 25, pacis. That number holds a significant place in the game. Twenty-five is the maximum number of places achievable at one time and the maximum score achievable by throwing the cowry shells. This number also plays a part in the strategy of moving to the finish box on the game board.

History

Remnants of ancient games indicate that as early as 300 A.D., people in India played a version of what they called Pachisi. The origins of the game have been lost in history, but many historians believe Pachisi derives from a more complex game called Chaupar. Pieces of huge, marble outdoor game boards found by archeologists, along with some ancient records, indicate that emperors once played the game using harem members as game pieces.

Types

Though wood and cardboard materials make up the Parcheesi game boards of today, games were originally created of colorful woven and embroidered cloth. Game boards today resemble the shape and design of ancient games. A symmetrical cross containing columns of small squares around the board and a place in the middle for the game to begin and end make up the design of the board. Wooden beehive-shaped game pieces for each player and six cowry shells for determining the number of spaces to move make up the game equipment.

Theories/Speculation

Ancient stories regarding princes playing the game against one another and wagering their kingdoms became part of Indian culture. In some of the stories, wars followed these matches, and much suffering of the losing kingdom was detailed.

Function

The game today plays much as the ancient game. A large center square on the embroidered cloth game board served as the starting and ending point of the game. Wooden player pieces moved from this square. Rather than dice, as used today, cowry shells were thrown, and these determined the number of spaces moved. Cowry shells with openings facing up were counted, and this number determined the number of places moved. However, if no openings of the shells faced up, rather than a move of zero, the player won a move of 25 spaces. The ancient boards, like those of today, included safe places where the rule of being captured did not apply.

Considerations

Variations of Parcheesi or Parcheesi-like games called "Cross and Circle" appear in ancient historical accounts from many cultures. Ancient Asian game remnants of the same type were found in the Americas, which helps confirm that early Asians colonized in America. Evidence found in Aztec and Mayan artifacts indicates they too played a similar game. To this day, native Americans play variations of circle and cross games.