What Is the Hidden Moral Philosophy Behind India’s Ancient Game of Moksha Patam?
The Forgotten Origins of Snakes and Ladders
Centuries before Snakes and Ladders became a household game in Victorian England, it was an Indian creation known as Moksha Patam. Conceived in the 13th century by the saint-poet Gyandev, this was not a game of chance but a profound moral teaching tool for children. Every ladder represented virtue, every snake symbolized vice, and the goal was spiritual liberation — Moksha.
The game board originally had one hundred squares. The 12th square represented faith, the 51st reliability, the 57th generosity, the 76th knowledge, and the 78th asceticism. Landing on these squares allowed players to climb the ladders toward liberation. Conversely, squares like 41 (disobedience), 49 (vulgarity), 69 (debt), 92 (greed), and 99 (lust) hosted snakes that dragged players downward.
The final square, numbered 100, was
Nirvana — the ultimate goal, symbolizing spiritual perfection. Each ladder’s top corresponded to a divine abode such as
Kailash or
Vaikunth, reflecting the idea that virtuous deeds elevate one closer to divinity. The snakes, meanwhile, embodied moral failures that delayed spiritual progress — mirroring the karmic law that every action has consequences.
For modern-day readers who track strategy as deeply as they do the markets, these age-old principles echo the cyclical nature of success and correction seen even in trading.
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From Spiritual Symbolism to British Adaptation
When the British encountered Moksha Patam in the late 19th century, they were fascinated by its design but stripped it of its moral framework. They renamed it Snakes and Ladders, turning an instrument of moral introspection into a casual pastime. The emphasis on karma and dharma gave way to randomness and luck, reflecting how colonial interpretation often diluted Indian philosophical depth.
In its Indian essence, Moksha Patam was a lesson in self-awareness — teaching that virtues like truth, generosity, and humility accelerate one’s journey, while arrogance, greed, and deceit reverse it. The snakes always outnumbered ladders, symbolizing how moral decline is easier than progress. The simplicity of dice and tokens belied profound spiritual truths.
The Philosophical Core: Karma and Destiny
Moksha Patam’s message aligned with Sanatan Dharma — that every life is governed by karma (action) and kama (desire). Progress toward liberation depends on one’s moral conduct. Unlike games such as pachisi, which balanced skill and luck, Moksha Patam underscored destiny and ethical behavior over chance. The ancient sages used it to teach children that even play could carry spiritual wisdom.
Today, as we rediscover India’s cultural heritage, Moksha Patam reminds us that entertainment was never detached from enlightenment. The ladders of virtue and the serpents of vice remain timeless metaphors — guiding humanity through moral choices much like investors navigating cycles of greed and fear.
Gulshan Khera, CFP®, Technical Analyst at Indian-Share-Tips.com and SEBI Registered Investment Adviser, observes that Moksha Patam is more than a historical curiosity — it is a blueprint for balanced decision-making. Just as in trading, where discipline, patience, and humility yield gains, the ancient game teaches that progress lies not in shortcuts but in sustained virtue.
Investor Takeaway
The philosophy behind Moksha Patam aligns with the investor’s journey — consistent virtues lead upward, while impulsive errors drag one down. Whether in markets or morals, patience and prudence remain the ladders to success.
SEBI Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers must perform their own due diligence and consult a registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The views expressed are general in nature and may not suit individual investment objectives or financial situations.
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