The ancient Indian origins of the Snakes and Ladders board game
While Americans play Chutes and Ladders, much of the world slides down snakes. This video explores the 2,000-year-old Indian game Moksha-Patam and the spiritual significance of serpents in ancient religious art.
Curator Sushma Jansari examines the sacred role of snakes and serpents within the devotional traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The video traces the history of the game Moksha-Patam, which dates back nearly two millennia.
Beyond the game mechanics, the presentation reveals how snakes appear throughout sacred art. Rather than being purely negative omens, these serpents hold complex meanings within the religious landscapes of ancient India.
Source: Why Snakes in Snakes and Ladders? The Sacred Snakes of Ancient India | Curator's Corner S10 Ep2
