Definition & Meaning of "chaupar"

What is "chaupar"?

Chaupar is an ancient Indian board game played on a cross-shaped board with four tracks, each used by one player to move their pieces. The game is typically played by four players, each controlling four pieces. The objective is to move all pieces around the board and reach the center before the other players. Players roll dice, or sometimes cowrie shells, to decide how far they can move. Chaupar requires strategy and luck, as players try to block their opponents and avoid having their pieces sent back to the starting area.