Snakes & Ladders

Snakes and Ladders is a game of ancient or traditional game were mostly played by the kids. These games have been closely in the lives of people in various parts of the world and has played several generations. Actually, the game of snakes and ladders game inspired or mimic of India namely Vaikuntapali or also known as Leela or Moksha plate that emerged in the 16th century. In India this popular game, because the game is also associated with Hindu philosophy relating to karma, destiny, and desire.

Initially Vaikuntapali serves as a tool to teach morality and spirituality. In the original version, the picture climbing the ladder in the board game due to represent or show the players the value of good deeds and enlightenment. While the image of a snake to represent evil as lust, anger, theft and murder will bring spiritual loss. Morality gained in learning through the game is that someone will be able to attain salvation (moksha) through doing good, while doing an evil sin be passed on to the next life which will result in decreasing the degree of his new life. In this game, the number of stairs less than the number of snakes. It is intended as a reminder that the path to goodness is more difficult than the road to sin.

When India became a British colony, during the reign of Queen Victoria game was brought to England in the late 19th century. In the country, the game is called Paramapada Sopanam which means "The Ladder to Salvation". But the British to change some part in this board. They still use this game as a tool to interpret and teach the result of every good and bad deeds. Board in the game is covered with symbolic images, upper featuring gods, angels and beings who look magnificent, while the rest of the parts other board covered with pictures of animals, flowers and people.

In the original version, the highest level in the game is to achieve a state of nirvana, while the Western version to achieving success or victory. Then Milton Bradley took the game to the Western version of America in 1943 to be named as Chutes and Ladders. Of course, the purpose of this game has turned into a commodity business.

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