Bagh Chal: A Forgotten Nepali Game

Playing board for 'goats and tigers' game in brass by Registreernu - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

As children, we’ve all enjoyed playing board games like Snakes and Ladders, Chess, and Ludo. While many of these games remain popular, some have faded into obscurity. One such traditional Nepali game is Bagh Chal, also known as Dhun Kasa in Newari. Although an online version of Bagh Chal exists, the thrill and enjoyment of physically playing against an opponent remain unmatched. Let’s dive in and rediscover this ancient game that deserves a revival.

Wagh Bakri, Pic Ref. Mumbai Mirror

Bagh Chal is believed to have originated in Nepal, although some argue that its roots may lie in Southern India, where similar games have been played for centuries. An example is the game Wagh Bakri, carved into the floors of numerous 12th- to 17th-century structures, such as Mysore's Chamundeshwari Temple and Sadras Fort in Tamil Nadu. Similar games can also be found in other parts of India and across the world such as Aadu Puli Aattam from Tamil Nadu, Adugo from Brazil, and Komikan from Argentina and Chile. Since there is no written history of Bagh Chal, its exact origins are difficult to trace, but it has become deeply ingrained in Nepali culture.

In the past, players would draw the game board directly on the floor, using stones or pebbles to represent tigers and goats. Many of these drawn boards can still be found in the paatis (courtyards) of Kathmandu, a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of this once-popular game. Families and communities would gather in these spaces to play. The etched boards in temple floors and courtyards of Kathmandu serve as historical remnants of Bagh Chal. Today, physical game boards are widely available, with traditional Pattachitra artisans from Odisha, India, crafting and selling beautifully made versions.

Locals playing Bhag Chal on a board carved on the floor. Pic ref. Anish Regmi/TKP

However, with the rise of urbanization in Nepal, many traditional games like Bagh Chal have been displaced by more technologically advanced video games. As a result, the younger generation has gradually lost touch with these pastimes, leading to the game's decline.

The rules of this game are straightforward. It’s a 2-player board game where strategizing your moves is very important. It’s played on a board with an interconnected 5x5 grid with 25 intersection points. There are 4 tigers and 20 goats. One player controls the Tigers and the other has to save the goats from being devoured by the tigers. The gameplay takes place in two stages. In the first phase, players strategically place their goats on the board, while the tigers begin their movement. In the second phase, both tigers and goats can move. The goal for the tigers is to capture five goats to win the game.

So, to summarize, the game ends under two conditions:

1. Tiger Victory: The tigers win if they successfully capture five goats.

2. Goat Victory: The goats win if they block the tigers' movement, preventing them from capturing more goats.

Traditional games like Bagh Chal were not only created for entertainment but also to develop vital skills such as logical thinking, concentration, and strategic planning.

In recent times, there has been a growing recognition of the game’s role in fostering community engagement. Both in Nepal and the Nepali diaspora, people have started organizing events, workshops, and tournaments to engage the younger generation and help them reconnect with their cultural roots.

It’s time to bring traditional games like Bagh Chal back to life and rediscover the wisdom and joy they offer. The revival of these games reflects a strong connection to cultural heritage and community spirit.