Checkmate

Let’s unravel the mystery of the origin of Chess, a game that is Ruled by India even Today

The Origin of chess is as mysterious as the game. While we can only assume its origin, there are several places across the world that claim to have invented the game. However, according to Sir William Jones (1746-1794), one of the earliest chess historians, the game originated in India around 600 AD. From here, it went to Persia in 700 AD and was then adopted by the Arans in 800 AD. Historians believe that the game was spread across the workd through the Arab influence as they were primarily nomadic in nature.

India – Chaturanga:

The game in Ancient India was known as Chaturanga. As the name suggests, instead of the two players modern chess has, the ancient version had four players (Chaturanga, means ‘quadripartite’ in Sanskrit).

Persia – Chatrang:

The period of the Persian Empire relevant to the origin of chess, was known as the Sassanid Empire and ruled Iran for over four centuries. One chapter of the book of Kings describes how the Raja of Hind (India) sent game via an emissary to King Nushirwan. The same chapter relates the legend of the invention of chess following a civil war between the two sons of a Queen. The game is also mentioned in the ‘Karnamak’ (‘Book of Deeds’).

Arabia – Shatranj:

After the death of Prophet Muhammad, one of the world’s great conquests spread out from Arabia. By 656, the Persian Empire had been conquered and although the status of chess was uncertain in the codes established be the Koran [Quran], the game flourished. The great culture of early Islam gave us the first works first chess literature, first recorded the names of early chess player, and spread the game as far as Spain.