The oldest known Snakes and Ladders board is probably a forgery
Researchers examining a board claimed to be the world’s oldest Snakes and Ladders game have concluded it is likely a modern forgery. The artifact, said to date from the 16th‑century Indian subcontinent, was analyzed for wood type, pigments and manufacturing marks. Scientific testing revealed inconsistencies with period materials, leading scholars to doubt its authenticity overall credibility.