Did you know one of the most popular traditional henna patterns was inspired by a game? Yes, the crisscrossed chequered patterns, sometimes now called jaal (net), symbolised Chaupar.
A traditional game, native to the Indian subcontinent, the name Chaupar comes from the words “four” (Chau) and “cloth” (patta) in Sansikrit. It refers to the four arms of the cloth which form the board.
The game itself was only a game of luck - it depended on intellect and strategy as much as fate. Somewhat of a cross between Ludo and Chess. It was widely played across South Asia, often with very high stakes.
In the Punjabi legend of Raja Rasalu, Rasalu bet his horse, his kingdom and his life on a game of Chaupar with his rival, the King of Sarkap. Beautifully embroidered Chaupar boards were also included in the trousseaus of Baloch brides in Sindh.
In Hindu tradition specifically, the game symbolised the meeting of lovers. The Goddess Parvati played Chaupar with Shiva.
The game morphed into henna designs for women. Come to think of it, a woman adorned to meet her lover will be depending upon strategy—for survival—and on fate, to side with her, to live a good life.
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