Norwich , UK📍
29/03/2025
What do these images have in common? Look closely and you’ll see all feature a cross shaped gridded board game. This game is called chaupar and has been played by many for centuries.
Originating in India, when this game started to be played in is disputed, but the earliest surviving evidence dates to the 16th century Mughal courts where people took on the role of the tokens in life size versions of the game played by emperors and noblemen. More typically, this game is small enough for 4 players to sit around and the objective is to move small tokens around the board by throwing long dice or cowries.
In order of appearance:
- Chamba rumal from Himachal Pradesh, India
- Chaupar board, Kala Raksha Trust, Gujarat, India
- Miniature painting, late 20th century
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Image descriptions:
Image one shows a square beige embroidered textile. There is a large central chaupar board which has small squares of coloured pattern throughout. Surrounding it are figures smoking ho**ah pipes and a floral border.
Image two shows a dark red and blue chaupar board with intricate mirrorwork and embroidery. It is laid out next to its textile bag it folds into as well as embordered counters, cowrie shells and an instruction sheet.
Image three shows a minuature painting with two figures playing chaupar in the middle sat on a tiger skin. They are in between two trees and sat on textured earth. The background is warm yellow and there is a strip of blue sky at the top. The piece has a orange border.
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