Pagade

Discover Pagade — the ancient Indian cross and circle game that traveled from royal Indian courts to become the modern game of Ludo.

Pagade is one of India's most historically significant board games, with roots tracing back over 1,500 years. The game belongs to the same ancient family of cross and circle games depicted in early Indian manuscripts and referenced in the epic traditions of the Mahabharata, where dice and board games held profound cultural and spiritual significance in royal courts. Versions of Pagade were played across the Indian subcontinent for centuries, known by different names in different regions — Pagade in Kannada, Chaupar in Hindi, and Pachisi across North India.

The game's global journey is remarkable. During the British colonial period in the 19th century, British administrators encountered Pagade being played across India and brought it back to England. In 1896 it was patented in England under the name Ludo — a simplified version of the original Indian game. Today Ludo is played by millions worldwide, largely unaware that the game they know began on Indian soil centuries ago.

Pagade is played on a cross-shaped board by two to four players, each racing their pieces from start to finish using traditional long dice — the distinctive elongated dice used in India for centuries, quite different from the cubic dice that became standard in the West.

This particular Pagade set is imported directly from India, handcrafted by traditional artisans using techniques passed down through generations. The playing surface is luxurious silk — the material used in royal and aristocratic settings throughout Indian history. The playing pieces are wooden and individually hand painted, each carrying the natural variation and character of genuine handmade craftsmanship. No two sets are identical.

Pagade is more than a game — it is a piece of living history. A gift that carries centuries of cultural wisdom into a modern home, and starts conversations that last long after the celebration ends.

Please note: Due to the handcrafted and imported nature of this set, personalized laser engraving is not available for Pagade. For customizable games in our collection, please visit our Wedding and Event Gifting page.

Our premium Pagade game set comes with:

• Silk playing surface
• Hand painted wooden playing pieces for Player 1 — 4 Nos
• Hand painted wooden playing pieces for Player 2 — 4 Nos
• Hand painted wooden playing pieces for Player 3 — 4 Nos
• Hand painted wooden playing pieces for Player 4 — 4 Nos
• Traditional long dice — 2 Nos
• Playing instructions with fun trivia about the game
• Our signature game storage box

Disclaimer: Each Pagade set is individually handcrafted by traditional Indian artisans. The silk playing surface and hand painted pieces reflect an authentic craft tradition passed down through generations. Minor variations in color, finish, and playing surface are a feature of genuine handmade craftsmanship, not a defect. Your set may vary somewhat from product images.

⚠ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD — Small Parts — Not for Children under 3 years