India in the era of the aspiring Mogul empire. New lands are being gained along with great prosperity attained through the trading of silk, tea, and spices. Imposing structures such as the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort are built, and gorgeous gardens are created alongside new buildings and parks that will impress generations to come even centuries later.

At a time when the empire has almost reached its greatest dimensions and is in a phase of relative stability, players, representing rajas and ranis, are called upon to live up to the requirements of their role as venerable sovereigns. They must improve their estates into magnificent and wealthy provinces. Keeping in mind the important role of karma, players balance their growth in a demanding interplay of prestige and prosperity. The one with the most successful outcome will truly become one of the nation’s legendary leaders.

Your task in Rajas of the Ganges Game is to develop your province with the help of your workers and the clever use of your accumulated dice. In the end, you must win the race with a combination of wealth and fame. The fame track and the money track run parallel to each other in opposite directions around the gameboard. The fame markers are moved clockwise, the money markers, counter-clockwise.

As you build and expand, you attempt to increase both your fame and wealth so that your fame marker and your money marker intersect. The first player of Rajas of the Ganges to have his fame marker and his money marker converge or even pass each other on their tracks has a good chance to win. 

The course of Rajas of the Ganges Game

The game of Rajas of the Ganges proceeds over several rounds, each of which consists of several stages. In each stage, players, in turn – in clockwise order, beginning with the starting player – place one worker, pay the costs, if required, and immediately carry out the associated action. This continues until nobody can place a worker anymore. After that, each player takes his workers back, and a new round begins.

You and up to 3 other players are Rajas and Ranis in 16th century India. Players compete to develop and expand their estates as their power and influence grow. Dice play the part of resources in this worker-placement game where you must balance your rise on the dual paths of fame and riches. But never underestimate the power of good karma!  

Ages 12+ | 2 to 4 players | Playing time 60 minutes