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| slideserve,com Chess game- history |
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| migration of chess game rooted in India . indiadefnce.com |
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| Evolution of Chess game. en.chessbase.com |
The earliest form of chess, Chaturanga, emerged during the Gupta Empire in the 6th century AD. The word "Chaturanga" symbolizes the four divisions of the military: This early form of the game was played on an 8x8 board and reflected the four divisions of the military: infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots, which correspond to today’s pawns, knights, bishops, and rooks
These components reflect the strategic brilliance of ancient India, where success relied on planning and positioning, much like on a battlefield. Interestingly, some researchers trace the game's roots even further back to the Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1500 BC), where board games resembling chess were discovered. Games like Astapada (an 8x8 board) and Dasapada (a 10x10 board) may have paved the way for modern chess. These games combined elements of racing and strategy, influencing Chaturanga’s development.
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| parts of chess game Indus Valley, Harappa. bbc.com |
A significant transformation occurred during the Gupta period when dice-based games faced restrictions due to the revival of Hinduism, which disapproved of gambling. This shift likely spurred the evolution of Chaturanga into a purely strategic game, focusing on intellect over chance.
Did you know that Ashtapada, a race game played with dice on an 8x8 board, may have inspired the chessboard? This ancient game encouraged strategic pawn promotion, where pieces gained new powers upon reaching the last row.
From India, the game spread to Persia, where it underwent modifications and became known as Shatranj. The Persians adapted the rules and introduced unique playing styles, shaping the game into a refined strategic challenge. With the Arab conquest of Persia in the 7th century CE, chess was adopted by the Islamic world. Arab scholars further developed and documented the game, ensuring its preservation and dissemination. During this period, chess became a symbol of intellectual achievement and cultural sophistication.
The Muslim world introduced chess to Europe through Spain (Al-Andalus) and Italy (Emirate of Sicily) in the early medieval period. By the 15th century, chess had evolved into a form closely resembling the modern game, with the introduction of powerful moves for the queen and bishop. These changes significantly increased the game’s pace and tactical depth, laying the foundation for modern competitive chess.
By 1500 CE, chess had become a popular intellectual pursuit across Europe, a favorite game among monarchs, nobles, and scholars.It slowly evolved into globally celebrated game as we see today, relying on the strategy, intellect, quick decision making and right maneuvers.
From its humble beginnings in ancient India to its global prominence, chess has traversed cultures and continents, serving as a bridge of intellectual and cultural exchange for centuries.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2014/12/chess-game-invented-in-ancient-india.html
https://woochess.com/en/blog/chess-learning-evolution
http://www.silkroadfoundation.org/newslette/volumeonenumberone/origin.html
Henry A.. Davidson, A Short History of Chess, New York 1949, 228 pages.
Richard Eales,, CHESS -The History of a Game, New York 1985, 240 pages
H.. J. R. Murray, A History of Chess, Oxford University Press 1913,900 pages
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