chaupar

Chaupar is a traditional Indian cross and circle board game played for centuries. It is often described as a race game, similar in concept to Pachisi, though with distinct rules and gameplay. The game is played on a cruciform (cross-shaped) board, typically made of cloth, with four arms extending from a central square. Each player controls a set of pieces, usually four, and the objective is to move all of them around the board, completing a circuit, and returning them to the starting area.

Movement is determined by throwing a set of dice, usually cowrie shells or wooden dice. The number of shells or dots on the dice dictates the number of squares a player can move their pieces. Players can capture opposing pieces by landing on the same square, sending the captured piece back to its starting position. Certain squares on the board, often marked with a star or a different color, are considered "safe" squares, where pieces cannot be captured.

Chaupar has a rich cultural history and is often associated with royalty and gambling in ancient India. It was a popular pastime for maharajas and was even depicted in historical texts and artwork. While less common today, it is still played in some parts of India, particularly in rural areas and among older generations. The game requires strategy, luck, and a good understanding of the dice rolls and board layout to achieve victory.