Game of Bandar Killa in Punjab: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a fan of traditional games and hail from Punjab, chances are you’ve heard of Bandar Killa. This popular game has been played by generations of Punjabis and is still enjoyed by people of all ages today. But what exactly is Bandar Killa, and how do you play it? In this article, we’ll delve into this exciting game’s history, rules, and strategies.

What is Bandar Killa?

Bandar Killa, also known as “Monkey War,” is a traditional board game played in Punjab, India. It is believed to have originated in the Mughal era and was played by both children and adults as a way to pass the time. The game is typically played on a wooden board with a grid pattern, with each player having a set of 16 “soldiers” or “monkeys.”

Also Read: What is Game of KoklaChapki?

The objective of the game is to capture the opponent’s king, or “bandar,” while protecting your own. Players take turns moving their soldiers around the board, trying to capture the opponent’s pieces and ultimately the Bandar. The game ends when one player captures the other’s barrow or when the board becomes blocked and no further moves can be made.

How to Play Bandar Killa?

The game of Bandar-Killa is easy to learn but can be challenging to master. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play:

Also Read: What is ChupanChupai? | How to Play Chupan Chupai and More

1. Set up the board: The board consists of a grid of 64 squares, with each player starting on opposite sides. Each player has 16 soldiers, which are placed on the board in a specific pattern. The Bandar is placed in the centre of the board.
2. Determine who goes first: Players can decide who goes first by rolling a die or flipping a coin. The player who goes first is known as the “attacker.”
3. Take turns moving your soldiers: On your turn, you can move one of your soldiers to an adjacent square. Soldiers can only move forward, backward, or sideways, and cannot move diagonally. You cannot jump over other soldiers or the Bandar.
4. Capture the opponent’s soldiers: If you land on a square occupied by one of the opponent’s soldiers, you can capture it by removing it from the board. The captured soldier is then out of the game.
5. Capture the Bandar: The ultimate goal of the game is to capture the opponent’s Bandar. To do this, you must move one of your soldiers onto the same square as the Bandar. The Bandar can only be captured if it is not surrounded by the opponent’s soldiers. If the Bandar is surrounded, it is considered “safe” and cannot be captured.
6. End the game: The game ends when one player captures the opponent’s Bandar, or when the board becomes blocked and no further moves can be made. The player who captures the Bandar is the winner.

Rules of Bandar Killa

While the basic rules of Bandar Killa are fairly straightforward, there are a few additional rules to keep in mind:

• Soldiers can only move one square at a time.
• Soldiers cannot move diagonally.
• Soldiers can only capture other soldiers that are directly adjacent to them.
• Soldiers cannot jump over other soldiers or the Bandar.
• The Bandar can only be captured if it is not surrounded by the opponent’s soldiers.
• If the Bandar is surrounded, it is considered “safe” and cannot be captured