Definition of the word ludo

The word "ludo" is the shortened form of the Latin word "ludus," which means "game" or "play." The game of Ludo, also known as Pachisi or Parcheesi, has a rich history that dates back to ancient India over 2,000 years ago. In India, the game was referred to as "Pachisi," and it was predominantly played by royalty and nobility. The game's objective was to move all of one's game pieces, called "men," around a board game, similar to a crossboard, into the center or "home" area. Over time, the game spread to neighboring countries like Persia, Arabia, and North Africa, where it was popularized in various forms. In Persia, the game took a new name of "As Nam," while in North Africa, it became known as "Meejeteen" or "Misereeteen." The British, who were colonizing India in the 19th century, took a keen interest in the game of Ludo and introduced it to the Western world. The British further popularized the game by providing it with an English name, "Ludo." The popularity of the game further increased when it was commercially mass-produced in the late 19th century, making it affordable for the common man to purchase and play. Since then, the game of Ludo has undergone multiple transformations and adaptations in different parts of the world, with variations including the use of dice, different board layouts, and game rules. Despite these variations, the game's roots and the inspiration behind the word 'ludo' can still be traced back to its ancient Indian origin.