The Pallanguzhi Board & Seeds
A good Pallanguzhi set is half the pleasure: the weight of a carved board, the click of seeds falling into wood. Here’s how a board is laid out and what to play with.
Anatomy of a Pallanguzhi board
- 14 playing pits (kuzhis) in two rows of seven. Each player owns the row nearest to them.
- Store pits: many boards have a larger hollow at each end to hold captured seeds. On simpler boards players keep captures in a pile beside them.
- Hinge: folding boards close like a box, with the seeds stored inside.
Board materials
Wood is the classic: rosewood, teak and jackfruit wood age beautifully. Carved boards from Chettinad are prized, and some are shaped like fish or decorated with brass corners and studs. Brass boards are heavier, ring when seeds drop, and last generations. Modern sets are often lacquered wood made by artisan cooperatives.
Choosing seeds
| Counter | What it is | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Manjadi மஞ்சாடி | Glossy red seeds of Adenanthera pavonina | Uniform, shiny, the classic look |
| Puliyankottai புளியங்கொட்டை | Tamarind seeds | Dark brown, flat, easy to find at home |
| Sozhi சோழி | Cowrie shells | Satisfying clatter, easy to count |
You’ll need 70 counters for the standard 5-per-pit game, and a few spares. If you play with 6 or 12 per pit, you need 84 or 168.
No board at home? You can play on our online Pallanguzhi board and switch between manjadi, tamarind and sozhi from the menu.
Caring for a wooden board
Keep it out of direct sun and damp, wipe it with a dry cloth, and rub in a little coconut or linseed oil once or twice a year to keep the wood from drying out.