The earliest traces of Parcheesi were found in ancient temples of Ellora, India, and date back to the 16th century. However, the game is believed to have originated in the 6th century. It was traders who spread it throughout the world
Parcheesi is considered India's national game; its name is derived from the Indian word for 25, the highest throw that can be obtained with cowrie’s shell used as dice. The aim of each player is to move his four pawns to the centre of the board (called “Home”) before his opponents do. Parcheesi is played individually by 2, 3 or 4 players or by 4 players in teams. The pieces are moved according to the amount thrown on the dice. There are several variations of this game.
The Parchesi board will forever remind of the elegance of Art Deco design. The board my grandmother had in her toy chest was an older version colored with the secondary purple and gold with the primary red as a high capstone, like the lips of a beautiful rich woman. The pieces were wooden and the royal purple box seemed lined with velvet (though that could be a conflation with the Crown Royal sack). I will always remember the board and attending scenes as the reason I chose a life in the arts.
Aeneas ,
40 year old
Cambridge USA
We played Parchesi with our Grandmother every time she visited. I remember the elephants on the board. It was similar to LUDO but much more intricate and far more enjoyable to play. I would love to be able to own my own Parchesis set and wonder if this is possible. It certainly doesn't seem to be available in the UK. It was just mentioned in the film Shrek 2 that I bought for my grandchildren, so I rushed to the computer to see if I could find anything.
Twig ,
59 year old
LONDON UK
I remember those days of summer I would spend at my grandparents. My Grandfather was really fond of this game and so were his friends. All the wise old pepper haired men of grandfathers age would meet at my grandparents' house regularly and play this game forever or so it seemed. More than a game it was a ritual. I love this game. This is one of those things that'll remain forever with me reminding me of those lovely days. Wish I relive those days again............
