The Rich History of Chess in India: From Ancient Origins to Modern Triumphs
India made history on December 12 as Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest-ever Chess champion. In a thrilling 14th-round battle, he defeated reigning champion Ding Liren, sparking celebrations and congratulatory messages on social media. The victory was not just a personal triumph for Gukesh but also a symbolic moment for India, often referred to as the birthplace of chess.
The roots of chess in India date back thousands of years, with archaeological excavations revealing game pieces used in activities similar to modern board games in the Indus Valley civilisations. The earliest mention of a board game in Indian literature appears in the Harshacharita, linking the term “chaturanga” to an ancient game played on an 8×8 board.
The evolution of chess likely followed a series of stages, from ashtapada to chaturanga, eventually becoming a two-player strategy game focused on capturing the opponent’s ruler. The game transitioned from chance-based to skill-based, paving the way for its global popularity.
Chess’s journey from India to the world is a fascinating tale, with Persian and Arabic traditions crediting India as the birthplace of the game. The game may have even originated as an import from China, evolving along the Silk Road. However, chaturanga and chatrang marked a departure from previous board games in the region by eliminating dice and focusing on strategy.
The renaissance of chess in the 15th century saw significant rule changes that transformed the game into a more dynamic and engaging format. The reform saved chess from obscurity, making it a universal standard. The game’s popularity spread to Europe, where it underwent further modifications and gained widespread acceptance.
Indian chess continued to evolve over the centuries, with players like Sultan Khan and Fatima making their mark on the international stage. Their achievements paved the way for a new era of Indian chess, with players like Viswanathan Anand becoming world champions and leading India to prominence in the global chess arena.
Today, Indian chess is thriving, with a pipeline of talented players excelling on the international stage. The success of Indian players, coupled with the global popularity of shows like “The Queen’s Gambit,” has brought renewed attention to the game. As we celebrate Gukesh’s historic victory, we also honor the rich legacy of chess in India and look forward to the future of this timeless game.