♟️ Chess – India’s Gift to the World

Chess Board

📖 Origin & Evolution

Chess traces its roots back to Chaturanga, a strategy game that originated in India during the Gupta Empire (6th century CE). Over centuries, it evolved through Persia as "Shatranj" and spread to Europe, becoming the modern Chess we know today. India is not just the birthplace of Chess—it continues to be one of its strongest powerhouses.

💡 Did You Know?

♟️ The word "Checkmate" comes from the Persian "Shah Mat," meaning "The King is Defeated."
🇮🇳 India is home to more than 80+ Chess Grandmasters, and the number keeps growing rapidly.
🌍 Chess is played by over 600 million people worldwide, making it one of the most popular games globally.

🏆 Indian Chess Legends

Viswanathan Anand – 5-time World Champion, India’s first GM (1988).
D Gukesh – Youngest player to qualify for Candidates (2024).
R Praggnanandhaa – Young prodigy, World Cup 2023 finalist.
Koneru Humpy – Women’s World Rapid Champion.
Harika Dronavalli – Multiple World Championship medalist.

🎯 Quick Quiz

Who was India’s first Chess Grandmaster?