Chess Village of Marottichal: A Story of Redemption Through Chess

In the sleepy village of Marottichal in southern India, a remarkable transformation has taken place over the past few decades. Once plagued by alcohol addiction and gambling, the village is now known as the “Chess Village of India” where nearly 75% of the residents are proficient chess players.

At the heart of this transformation is Charaliyil Unnikrishnan, a former Maoist rebel who returned to the village and set up a teahouse. Disturbed by the alcohol addiction in his community, Unnikrishnan decided to take action. He raided houses where alcohol was being produced, destroyed supplies, and then invited the community to play chess at his teahouse.

Chess quickly became a popular pastime in Marottichal, replacing alcohol and gambling as the preferred form of entertainment. The game brought the community together and provided a focus for many who were previously struggling. Unnikrishnan taught chess to almost 1,000 villagers and organized tournaments that attracted international attention.

One of the rising stars of Marottichal is 15-year-old Gowrishankar Jayaraj, a chess prodigy who competes blindfolded against opponents much older than him. Jayaraj dreams of becoming a grandmaster and following in the footsteps of Indian chess heroes like Viswanathan Anand.

The impact of chess in Marottichal goes beyond just a game. For Jayem Vallur, a recovered alcoholic, chess played a crucial role in his recovery after a near-fatal accident left him paralyzed. Vallur credits the regular chess matches during his recovery for helping him regain cognitive function and find a new lease on life.

The story of Marottichal’s transformation has attracted the attention of filmmaker Kabeer Khurana, who directed a film documenting the village’s journey from addiction to recovery. As the residents of Marottichal continue to gather at Unnikrishnan’s teahouse to play chess and build a brighter future, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the game.