Navakankari - Large

The History

Navakankari is a traditional Indian strategy game, similar globally to Nine Men’s Morris(Europe). Its name comes from Sanskrit, meaning “nine pebbles.” A part of India’s rich heritage of board games, it has been enjoyed for generations as a game of logic, patience, and skill. This design is found in several forts and temples, leading us to believe that besides being played by the common man, the game was used by military generals to help their soldiers think of war strategy. 

This teak wood board is almost fully handcrafted by our rural artisans. 

Other names - Char-Par, Navakankari, Navakakri, Saalu Mane Aata, Daahdi, Colour Block, Nine Men's Morris and Jodpi Ata. 

Gameplay

Played between two players, the game board features three connected squares with 24 intersection points. Each player receives nine coins and aims to form straight lines of three pieces, known as color blocks, either horizontally or vertically. Forming a block allows a player to remove one of the opponent’s coins, making strategy and foresight key to winning the game. Placement of the coins is the first part; movement starts once the placement is complete. 

Simple to learn yet deeply engaging, Navakankari encourages tactical thinking, concentration, and social play.

Contents

1. Game board - Teak wood
2. Instruction sheet
3. 18 pawns total - 2 colours, 9 each

Board Size

36" x 36" x 10" (L X B X H)

Suitable For

Family game nights
Educational strategy games for children ages 6+
Traditional board game collectors
Cultural and heritage gifting
Lovers of classic strategy games