Chaupar, Chausar or Pacheesi was one of the most popular gambling games in India. It was played on a cross shaped fabric, with seven cowrie shells as the dice. A throw with five shells facing upwards would give you the highest score of 25, or Pachees. Beautiful sets of 16 gotis in silver were an integral part of the dowries in many communities. The game is depicted in the 5th Century Ajanta frescos.
This was taken to the west in the 19th century as Parcheesi or Ludo (Latin for “I play”). The shells were replaced by dice, and the fabric by board.
Picture Credit : Google