Pancha Keliya | Kalamkari

Pancha Keliya is an ancient three-player board game with roots deep in South Asian tradition. Each of the three players commands a set of three coins, starting from their own home position at the edge of the board, racing to bear off all their pieces before their opponents do. The game is played with five wooden cowries, whose throws determine every move — and every twist of fate.

What makes Pancha Keliya so compelling is its delicate balance of chance and cunning. Players must read the board, time their advances, and strike opponents to earn extra turns — but there's a catch: you cannot bear off a single coin until you've cut at least one opponent's piece. Send all three coins to the finish without drawing blood, and you'll be sent right back to the start. Every throw carries consequence, and no lead is ever truly safe.

This set is crafted in the Kalamkari tradition — a centuries-old Indian art form in which skilled artisans use hand-drawn or block-printed motifs inspired by mythology, nature, and folk storytelling. The characteristic flowing linework and intricate patterning of Kalamkari bring a distinctive character to the board, making each set as much a piece of art as it is a game.

The first player to bear off all three coins wins. Each set includes the game board, 9 coins in 3 sets, and 5 wooden cowries. A wonderful gift for lovers of traditional games, Indian craft, or anyone who appreciates a game that rewards both instinct and strategy.

Part of Ramsons Kreedaa Kaushalya — traditional Indian board games researched, revived, and handcrafted in Mysore since 1970.

🤲 Because this is a 100% handmade product, every piece is one of a kind. The stitching, thread colour, and pawns may vary slightly from what you see in the images — and that's exactly what makes yours truly unique. No two boards are ever exactly alike; each carries the individual touch of the artisan who made it.