Crisis in Amritsar: Chess Industry Hit Hard by Global Events and Recessionary Trends

The chess manufacturing industry in Amritsar is facing a crisis as orders have plummeted by 80 per cent this year due to ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, as well as Israel and Palestine. Additionally, recessionary trends in developed countries have further exacerbated the situation.

Known for their exquisite craftsmanship, wooden chess pieces made in Amritsar are highly valued abroad. However, with a significant decline in export orders from key clients in the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia, many artisans have lost their jobs and working hours have been reduced.

Rishi Sharma, a third-generation chess manufacturer, highlighted the struggles faced by the industry, noting that the winter season is typically the busiest time for manufacturers but this year has been particularly challenging. Despite the high quality and demand for Amritsar-made chess sets, the industry has been largely overlooked by successive governments in terms of promotion and support.

The industry has also been impacted by stringent regulations, such as the restrictions imposed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on the sale and purchase of certain types of wood used in chess pieces. Exporters now have to navigate complex licensing and auditing processes, adding significant costs to their products.

Despite these challenges, the artisans and manufacturers in Amritsar continue to persevere, producing chess pieces in a variety of woods to meet the demands of the international market. The industry received a boost from the popularity of the Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit” in 2020, but the current global conflicts have cast a shadow over their future.

As Amritsar enters another winter of discontent, the artisans and manufacturers are left to ponder their next moves. Will they be able to navigate the challenges ahead and survive another year, or will they become casualties in a game not of their making? The future of the chess manufacturing industry in Amritsar hangs in the balance as they strive to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape.