How Moksha Patam Rolled into Snakes and Ladders
Is Snakes and Ladders just a kids’ game? This episode traces its roots from ancient India to living rooms today — revealing a game of karma, virtue, and the occasional fall from grace.
You’ve rolled the dice, dodged snakes, and climbed ladders — but did you know Snakes and Ladders began as a lesson in morality?
This episode traces the game’s roots to 13th-century Maharashtra, where Sant Jnaneshwar designed Moksha Patam to teach virtues and warn against vices. Each square held a symbolic meaning — generosity, faith, and humility led you upward, while pride and drunkenness pulled you down. The ultimate goal? Reaching Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu.
The hosts dive into family memories, Ekadashi traditions, and the cultural evolution of the game — from Jnaneshwar’s Hindu board with 72 squares to Jain versions with 84.
Special guest, Chandrakant from Jejuri, offers deep insight into the Varkari tradition, Jnaneshwar’s poetic genius, and his radical efforts to democratise spiritual knowledge by translating the Gita into Marathi.
With laughter, song, and sharp reflections, the episode transforms a humble board game into a powerful metaphor for life’s journey — where even one misstep near the end (like the snake of pride at square 95) can send you tumbling. Thoughtful and funny, this episode is a reminder that even childhood games can hold timeless wisdom.
CREDITS
Produced by Jimmy Xavier
Radio Azim Premji University: Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Kishor Mandal, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar.
Explore Further
The Beautiful Math of Snakes and Ladders — Numberphile
The Secret of Snakes and Ladders
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