Desi Indian Ludo

Chowka Bara, Ashta Chamma, or Cheeta is an Indian game where in two to four players race their respective coins on a board of 5x5 squares to reach the inner most square. The movement of coins is controlled by throw of four cowrie shells, hence it is a game of chance. Since each player has four coins, he can decide which coin to move, hence it also comes under strategical games.
This game is called by various names in different languages in different regions.
- Aaru Katta Taayam - 7 House Chaukabara
- Ashta Chemma - Telugu
- Baara Atte - 7 House Chaukabra - Konkani
- Chakaara - Kannada - North Karnataka
- Chakka - Kannada - North Karnataka
- Challas - Rajasthan (Jaipur)
- Challas Aath - Marathi (Nashik)
- Changaabu - Rajasthan (Jaipur)
- Chauka Baara - Kannada - Old Mysuru region
- Cheeta - Madhya Pradesh
- Chomal Ishto - Gujarati
- Dyootaardha - Samskrutam
- Gatta Mane - Kannada - Old Mysuru rural region
- Kanna Dudi - Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Katte Mane - Kannada - Old Mysuru rural region
- Kavidi Kali - Malayalam - Kerala
- Khaddi Khadda - Punjabi - Punjab
- Nanku Katta Taayam - 5 House Chaukabara
- Pat Sogayya or Pat Sogya - Marathi (Kolhapur)
- Taayam / Daayam - Tamil