Snakes and Ladders Was Once a Moral Game Called Moksha Patam
Back in the 13th century CE, Indian poet and saint Gyandev created a game called Moksha Patam, designed not just for fun but to teach children important life lessons. Over time, this game made its way to England, where British colonizers renamed it Snakes and Ladders, removing much of its original spiritual and moral meaning.
Originally, Moksha Patam was more than just a board game—it was a tool for moral instruction. Each ladder on the board represented a virtue (like generosity or knowledge) and helped the player climb closer to Moksha—a state of liberation or enlightenment. On the other hand, each snake symbolized a vice (such as greed or anger), pulling the player back, symbolizing the setbacks caused by immoral actions.
In the traditional version, the snakes far outnumbered the ladders, reinforcing the idea that it’s easier to fall into temptation than to stay on the path of virtue. The game was deeply rooted in Sanatan philosophy, reflecting themes like karma (action) and kama (desire). It was a game about destiny and spiritual progress. The 100th square represented Moksha or Nirvana, the ultimate goal.
When it reached Victorian England in 1892, the game was simplified—its religious and moral undertones were removed, and the number of snakes and ladders was equalized to make it more of a straightforward game of chance.
