I think it's a totally international game, brought to Europe from India (where it was called Pachisi). The gameplay roots go back to the 4000-year-old Royal Game of Ur, which is for two players only but (in my opinon) better balanced and less random than Ludo.

Here's my favourite version of the Game of Ur, in case you'd like to give it a try: https://www.printables.com/de/model/367278-the-royal-game-of-ur