Snakes and Ladders originated in India as a game based on morality called Vaikuntapaali or Paramapada Sopanam (the ladder to salvation).
Wikipeidia states, "The game was played widely in ancient India by the name of Moksha Patamu, the earliest known Jain version Gyanbazi dating back to 16th century. The game was called "Leela" - and reflected the Hinduism consciousness around everyday life."
Moksha Patamu was used by Hindu spiritual teachers to educate children about the effects of good and evil. The ladders represented virtues and the snakes represented vices. The moral of the game was that a person can attain salvation (Moksha) through performing good deeds whereas by doing evil one takes rebirth in lower forms of life (Patamu).
The number of ladders was less than the number of snakes as a reminder that walking the path of good is hard while the road that leads to death and pain is easy. Climbing up takes work, sliding down a snakes belly - well thats easy.
The numbered squares are also significant The number "100" represented Moksha (Salvation). Tradgames has the remaining squares listed this way,
The squares of virtue on the original game are Faith (12), Reliability (51), Generosity (57), Knowledge (76), Asceticism (78); the squares of evil are Disobedience (41), Vanity (44), Vulgarity (49), Theft (52), Lying (58), Drunkenness (62), Debt (69), Rage (84), Greed (92), Pride (95), Murder (73) and Lust (99).
You can't help but see the religious and moral overtones of the game. Lust is the last enemy. The lust here is not necessarily sexual lust, but it is of a similar intensity. It is the appetite to lay hold of things which are not yours. Its envy at its worst and capable of keeping you from salvation.
The game is a game of life, and thus it has enduring appeal. It draws on our desire to escape whatever difficulty we face and find salvation, find deliverance. As already mentioned, as a tool for educators it is a way of discussing the moral dilemma that children must face as they grow.
The game is still made in India and if you are looking for an authentic version you are sure to be delighted. The most authentic version we have come across is a board, dice, cup and pieces all hand made using paper mache and vegetable dies. Its simple, but stunning and the authenticity just makes it so much more enjoyable to play.
It is also still an effective tool for gathering with your family or school students in order to talk about the good and bad of life. When used in this traditional sense the game becomes even more compelling and is a great way to start a good conversation!
