HISTORY

The game "Leela" has a rich history dating back about 2,000 years, according to its main popularizer, Harish Johari, who brought it to public attention with his book "Leela: The Game of Self-Knowledge" in 1974. Johari broke the previous sacred seal of the game and revealed it to a broader audience.

Despite its ancient roots, the oldest extant game board dates just over 4 centuries, nestled in historical archives. The Jain iteration, surviving since 1735 in Rajasthan, stands as the earliest documented version. 

Leela manifests in myriad forms across religious and philosophical landscapes, spanning Jain, Hindu, Sufi Muslim, and Buddhist traditions. Museums worldwide host approximately 50 distinctive game boards, predominantly from India, Nepal, and Tibet.

The game was brought from India to England in the late 19th century marking a significant cultural shift. It gained popularity, but the deep spiritual meanings were often lost or altered to fit Victorian moral values and European mentality. This adaptation process transformed Leela into a simpler game, more aligned with Western sensibilities.

Originally an adult pursuit, Leela metamorphosed into a pedagogical tool by 1890, transforming into "Snakes & Ladders" to educate children about cause and effect relationships.

 

NAME VARIATIONS

  • Gyan Chauper (The Game of Wisdom)
  • Jnana bazi/ Gyan bazi (The Game of Heaven & Hell)
  • Parama Pada Sopanam (Steps to the Hihest)
  • Moksha Patam ( The ladder of Salvation)
  • Nagapasa (*as a weapon of war, nāgapāśa is the arrow which becomes a snake and binds the enemy)
  • Kismet ( Fate/Destiny)
  • Shatranj-al-arifin (Chess of the Wise)
  • Leela (Time Spending)
  • Chutes & Ladders / Snakes & Ladders

1735

Field is kept in the National Museum in New Delhi.

Muslim ( Sufi) version. XVIII century

The playing field consists of 100 cells, which symbolize the number of names of God, and 101 cells - the Abode of Allah.

1974

Modern version of the playing field brought to life by Harish Johari

 

 

 

 

 

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