Chowka bhara
Ancient Indian board game of strategy and chance.
Chowka bhara (also known as Ashta Chamma) is a traditional Indian board game for two or four players. It is one of the oldest board games still played in parts of India, with references found in ancient Indian epics such as the Mahabharata. The game combines elements of chance, introduced by rolling cowry shells or dice, with strategic decision-making about which pawn to move.
- Type
- Board game
- Players
- 2 or 4
- Board size
- Typically 5×5, but can be any odd number squared (e.g., 11×11)
- Dice
- 4 or 6 cowry shells (or dice)
- Possible rolls
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 8
- Objective
- Move all pawns to the center square
- Regions played
- India (Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh)
Lore & Background
Chowka bhara is played on a board that is typically 5×5 squares, though larger odd-numbered boards (such as 11×11) are used for more players. Each player starts with N−1 pawns (four pawns for a 5×5 board) placed at crossed squares on the outermost ring. The game is controlled by throwing four cowry shells; the number of shells landing with the mouth upward or downward determines the move value: 1, 2, 3, 4 (Chamma), or 8 (Ashta). Rolling a 4 or 8 grants an extra turn, which can continue until a 1, 2, or 3 is rolled.
Pawns move anti-clockwise on the outer squares and clockwise on the inner squares, eventually reaching the center home square. A pawn enters the board only after a Chamma or Ashta is thrown. If a pawn lands on a square occupied by an opponent's pawn (except safe squares marked with X), the opponent's pawn is killed and returns to its starting square. A player must kill at least one opponent pawn before any of their pawns can enter the inner squares. Rolling three consecutive Chammas or Ashtas in one turn causes the player to lose that turn and forfeit all moves.
Reader's Guide
Chowka bhara is significant as one of the oldest surviving board games in India, with its origins referenced in the Mahabharata. It exemplifies a fully observable system where chance (the cowry shell roll) and strategy (pawn selection) interact. The game has numerous regional names and variations across India, including Ashta Chamma in Telugu, Daayam in Tamil, and Kavidi Kali in Malayalam. Its rules vary by region; for example, some versions use 8 cowry shells instead of 4, and the scoring of rolls can differ (e.g., a roll of 8 as is may be counted as 12 in some Telugu variants). The game's legacy lies in its enduring popularity in rural and traditional settings, and its influence on modern board game design. It remains a cultural touchstone, taught and played across generations, and its complex rules—such as bonus turns, killing mechanics, and safe squares—offer deep strategic play.
Did You Know?
- The game is referenced in the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata.
- Rolling all four cowry shells inverted is called 'Ashta' and grants 8 moves; rolling all as is is called 'Chamma' and grants 4 moves.
- If a player rolls three consecutive Chammas or Ashtas, they lose their turn and cannot use any moves.
- The game has at least 18 different regional names across India, including 'Chauka Bara' in Kannada and 'Champool' in Marathi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chowka bhara?
Chowka bhara, also called Ashta Chamma, is a traditional Indian board game that blends luck with tactical pawn movement. It stands as one of the oldest board games still actively played in parts of India.
How many players can join a game of Chowka bhara and what does the board look like?
The game supports two or four players and is typically played on a 5×5 grid, though any odd-numbered square such as 11×11 works. Each player commands a set of pawns that must be maneuvered across the shared board.
What is the objective in Chowka bhara?
You win by moving all of your pawns into the center square before your opponents finish their own. This demands both favorable rolls and smart choices about which pawn to advance on each turn.
How is chance introduced into Chowka bhara?
Players roll four or six cowry shells (or dice) to determine the possible move values, which come out as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 8. That random result is then paired with the strategic decision of which pawn to push forward.
Why is Chowka bhara historically significant?
The game traces its roots to ancient Indian epics, with explicit references appearing in the Mahabharata. Its continued play in various regions of India keeps it a living link to centuries-old recreational traditions.
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