Nagara simulates how public challenges are addressed in a democratic setup like India. Set in a bustling neighbourhood of a large Indian city, players can assume key roles and play out various scenarios.
How the Game Works
The game simulates the way public challenges are resolved through democratic interaction and negotiation. Participants take on different roles, representing key stakeholders, and work through scenarios that are inspired from real-life developments.
- The game requires a minimum of nine players, each managing a distinct interest group or perspective.
- Play proceeds through 15 rounds, during which players interact, negotiate, and pursue their goals.
- Players use action cards during gameplay to influence outcomes. These cards allow players to:
- Raise Public Interest Litigations (PILs)
- File Right to Information (RTI) pleas
- Request media coverage
- Take other actions relevant to public decision-making
Players must use these mechanisms to build support for their objectives, respond to opposition, and advocate within a democratic context.
During the game, participants engage in rounds of persuasion, negotiation, and strategy as they respond to evolving challenges. Interactive gameplay promotes discussion around how democratic systems function, how competing interests are balanced, and how citizens can effect change.
Elections and Evaluation
Towards the end of the game, elections takes place.
- Players strategize and campaign for support among other stakeholders.
- After elections, the game-master engages in a discussion with the players about their reflections and also illuminates the various public policy lessons involved.
Visuals
Below are some images of Nagara in action.
Contact
Excited to play already?
If you are interested in scheduling a Nagara gameplay session, please reach out at contact[at]takshashila[dot]org[dot]in
Disclaimer: This page has been created with the assistance of an AI tool (ChatGPT) which was given a specific prompt of creating a new webpage in markdown language mirroring the old (archived) Takshashila page dedicated to Nagara gameplay. The resultant markdown file has been reviewed and edited by the Takshashila Insitution before updation on the website.