Dayakattam | Silk Embroidery

Dayakattam is a classical South Indian race board game for 2 to 4 players, each commanding a set of 6 counters that must complete a long circuit of the cross-shaped board, navigate their way home through a protected inner lane called the Belly, and finally reach the centre. Movement is governed by a pair of stick dice — each face marked with 0 to 3 dots — which can be read individually or combined, giving players meaningful choices on every single throw.

Dayakattam rewards both patience and opportunism. Counters can only enter play on a throw of dayam, and can only enter the Belly once they have captured at least one opponent — so aggression is not optional, it is built into the rules. Two same-coloured counters sharing a square form a Counter-Pair, which can only be captured by another Counter-Pair, adding a layer of tactical depth. Safe squares dot the board at regular intervals, offering brief shelter in an otherwise unforgiving race. Roll a doublet and a single counter can move as a pair, a pair can be split, or two counters can leap forward together — the dice rarely dictate; they offer options.

This board game is handcrafted in the Silk Embroidery tradition. The cross-shaped playing field is rendered in precise, confident thread-work, with the safe squares and home-arm entry points marked by bold diagonal cross motifs. The four corners of the board — outside the playing field — each carry an intricate embroidered snowflake medallion composed of looping eye-shaped motifs radiating from a central point, a decorative flourish that frames the board beautifully. The four corners of the outer border are finished with clusters of small wooden beads, lending a tactile elegance to the finished piece.

The first player to bring all 6 counters safely Home wins. Each set includes the game board, 24 counters (4 sets of 6), and 2 stick dice. A wonderful gift for families, strategy game enthusiasts, and anyone who treasures the living craft traditions of South India.

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.