There hardly exists a person who hasn’t played this game before. We all loved playing Snakes and Ladders as kids – it’s a game we could even play alone if needed.

Snakes and ladders is one board game that most of us have played at some point in our lives. You roll the dice, and the fun starts. Each player tries to quickly climb the ladders and reach the top. But it’s not that easy as you have snakes waiting to bite you and push you down to lower-numbered squares. But did you know that it was never meant to be just a game?

The origin 

It is believed that the popular board game was invented in India but the time period remains a matter of debate. While some claim that the game was first played in second century BC, others believe it was invented much later, in 13th century AD. It is said that the game was supposed to teach children the importance of morals.

A metaphor

While the ladders represented good deeds, the snakes, on the other hand, symbolized sins. The goal of the game was to avoid the vices and reach salvation, represented by the last number on the board. The roll of the dice is, of course, luck and destiny.

The game now 

Although the game is still determined by luck and chance, in terms of appearance, snakes and ladders has undergone changes over the years. It is said there were more snakes than ladders in the earliest versions—the game has fewer snakes now.

The game’s association with moral lessons has waned; it is played more for fun. Of course, a game of snakes and ladders with family can be a great way to bring everyone together.