Chausar - Traditional Board Game

Chausar, also known as Pachisi or Indian Ludo, is a centuries-old board game in India. It is a combination of luck and strategy, requiring players to think ahead and use cunning tactics to outplay their opponents. Chausar can be played by individuals or teams of two and is suitable for four players. The goal of the game is for each player to move their pieces around a nearly complete loop on the board in a counter-clockwise direction and then up the main row to the home square in the center. If you enjoy games that test your luck and strategic thinking skills, Chausar is a great choice.

Also called Indian Cross and Circle Board Game, Pachisi, Pagade, Thayam, Ludo, Chaupar, Aksha Kreeda, Dayakattam, Chokkattan, Parchís, Chaupar, Mahabharatha , Ancient Indian Board Game

Inside the box

Red and Green Silk mat with outer dimensions 34”x34”.
Game blocks are embroidered with silk thread
Handcrafted pawns coated in lacquer made by traditional artisans at Channapatna.
4 x 4 color pawns -1” height, 0.75” dia. (Colors: Jet Black, Bright Red, Pineapple Yellow, Basil Green)
Set of six cowrie shells
Bright Red colored Tin Box (6”x8”x2”) to help store the set.

Skills

Playing Chausar can offer a rich set of skills and capabilities for kids, much like other traditional Indian board games. Here are some of the key skills that can be developed:

Strategic Thinking

The game requires players to think multiple steps ahead, especially when forming "juda" pairs and taking out opponent's pawns. This helps in enhancing strategic thinking and planning skills.

Teamwork

In team play, kids learn the importance of collaboration and how individual actions can impact the team's overall performance. This instills a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

Decision Making

With each roll of the cowrie shells, players have to make decisions on which pawn to move and whether to form or break a "juda" pair. This helps in improving decision-making skills.

Risk Assessment

Choosing to take out an opponent's pawn or focusing on reaching the home square involves assessing risks and rewards, a skill that is valuable in real-life scenarios.

Counting and Basic Math

The game involves counting spaces and adding up the numbers rolled on the cowrie shells, which can help younger kids with basic math skills.

Emotional Resilience

The game has its ups and downs, with pawns being sent back to the start or losing a "juda" pair. Learning to cope with these setbacks can help build emotional resilience.

Focus and Attention

Keeping track of multiple pawns, possible "juda" formations, and opponent moves require a good deal of focus and attention to detail.

Social Skills

Playing in a social setting helps kids learn important life skills like taking turns, being gracious in both victory and defeat, and respecting rules.

Incorporating Chausar into a child's playtime can thus offer a holistic development experience, blending fun with valuable life skills.