History of Leela

Leela is an ancient game that dates at least two thousand years back. Even though it is thought to be originated on the territory of Northern India, it spread through many countries. Jain, Hindu, Sufi versions of the game have been discovered.

There are about 50 versions of boards for the game in museums around the world. They have been found in India, Nepal, Tibet. There is also evidence of Buddhist versions of the game during the Pala-Sena period. Unfortunately, descriptions of the states (as they were in ancient times) have not survived. Game name variations:

● Gyan Chauper (Game of Wisdom),

● Jnana bazi/Gyan bazi (Game of Heaven and Hell)

● Leela (Pastime)

● Vaikunthapaali Thayam

● Parama Pada Sopanam (Steps to the Supreme)

● Kismet

● Moksha Patam (Ladder of Salvation)

● SHATRANJ-AL-ARIFIN (Chess of the Wise)

● Nagapasa

● Snakes & Ladders Chutes and Ladders

The playing field could consist of 72, 84, 101, 124, 132, 342 cells. There were also other non-standard versions of the game. The arrangement of snakes and arrows also varies.

The Jain version is one of the oldest surviving versions. Dating back to the 18th century, it was found in Rajasthan. The board had 84 squares with three extra squares. The board is kept in the National Museum in New Delhi.

The modern Indian version of Leela was first described by the expert and keeper of Indian tradition Harish Johari in his 1975 book. The Hindu version of the game was most popular among the Brahmins. The playing field has 72 cells.

The Muslim (Sufi) version of the board consists of 100 cells, which symbolize the number of names of God, and 101 cells - the Abode of Allah.

In the early 19th century, the game lost popularity in India. As happened with many things, knowledge and traditions that appeared in the East and then ended up in the West, Leela came to Europe. In 1882, it was brought to England and became very popular. However, they did not know how to interpret the meaning of the Indian game, so the Indian "virtues" and "vices" (as the English saw it - people of a completely different culture, perception and world order) were replaced by English ones, as a reflection of the Victorian doctrines of morality. Initially, the game was played by adults, and in 1890 it was adapted for children in the form of the game Snakes & Ladders.