The game is set in the 13-15th centuries of Uttarakhand history, after the collapse of the Katyuri Empire and before the rise of the Garhwal and Kumaon kingdoms when no central authority governed the land. Players assume the role of one of many petty chieftains who attempt to unite all the lands under their dynastic control. This involves defeating up to five other players who attempt to do the same by assembling armies, building forts in the form of garhs, and engaging in battle. Alliances can be forged or broken, even while one can seek the favour of the gods that may grant a boon if properly propitiated.

As a strategy war game, the Uttarakhand Board Game is not unlike RISK, Axis & Allies, Shogun, or other popular board games in their game play or objectives. Indeed, the medieval period of Uttarakhand lends itself ideally to such a game, where even Garhwal, the western portion of the state, means the “land of forts.” However, novel game play mechanics that balance simplicity with variation and cultural customization makes this also an ideal tool for educational purposes, especially about the history of the Uttarakhand region of India, a land steeped in myth and legend.

The game is currently in beta testing and hence has been released to the public to enlist the maximum number of participants across the world. I hope you may consider downloading each of the game components and trying it out today!