Ludo is derived from the ancient Indian game Pachisi, which dates back to the 6th century CE. Pachisi was played on a cross-shaped board and was a favorite pastime of the Mughal emperors, including Akbar the Great.
The modern version of Ludo was patented in England in 1896. The game was simplified from Pachisi to make it more accessible to the masses. The name "Ludo" comes from the Latin word meaning "I play."
While Pachisi used cowrie shells as dice and featured teams of two, Ludo standardized the dice to a single six-sided die and simplified the rules for individual play.
Ludo became immensely popular in the British Empire and spread worldwide. The game is known by different names in various countries:
Ludo remains one of the most popular board games globally, especially in India, where it's a household favorite. The game has adapted to the digital age with numerous mobile and online versions, introducing new generations to this classic cross-and-circle race game.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a massive resurgence in Ludo's popularity, with millions playing online versions. The game's simple rules, quick gameplay, and social nature made it perfect for connecting with family and friends remotely.