Navakankari - Medium

The History

Navakankari is a traditional Indian strategy game inspired by the ancient game known globally as Nine Men’s Morris. 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.

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.

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

Contents

1. Cotton game mat
2. Instruction sheet
3. 18 pawns total - 2 colours, 9 each

Suitable For

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