Chess - A Royal Game
Discover the game of Chess as seen in artefacts and paraphernalia at Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India. (1800-1999)
A game of war strategy
Chess has a rich and complex history that spans over a millennium. Its origins can be traced back to 6th century in India, where a game called Chaturanga was played. Chaturanga featured pieces that represented infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots, like an army formation.
Precursors to Chess
Chess or the precursors to chess were both a pastime and a part of learning. India has had other games like dice games, the pachisi or chaupar and ganjifa card games throughout its long history. This evolved into the modern pawn, knight, bishop and rook of chess.
Lord Shiva and Parvati playing 'chaturanga'
India has sculptures where gods and goddesses like Shiva-Parvati are seen playing a chess-like game and miniatures depicting Radha-Krishna enjoying a board game, seen here is a painting by Devidasa of Nurpur, India, circa 1694 at The Met, New York.
Indian men playing a game of 'chaupar'
Painting from British India, 1851, by William Carpenter showing men playing a game of chaupar. This indicates the popularity of the game that it inspired artists to paint the theme.
Across the world
From India, the game spread to Persia, where it became known as Chatranj. The rules evolved, and the pieces took on new names and functions; the game became Shatranj in Arabic. After the Islamic conquests, Shatranj spread throughout the Arab world and into Europe.
The Queen's entry
By the late Middle Ages, chess underwent significant changes in Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain, leading to the modern rules we recognize today. The introduction of the 'queen' was a powerful movement and the concept of 'checkmate' transformed gameplay.
Chess set of Michel Fedorovitch Romanov (before 1917) by Karl Karlovitz BullaThe J. Paul Getty Museum
A Royal game
Through the Moorish conquest of Spain it spread to Europe around 800 A.D. The game became popular all over Europe including Russia and was mentioned in stories by 1300 A.D. The game being patronised by the nobility was called the ‘’royal game’’.
The Oriental version
The game reached the Far East through the Silk route and Buddhist pilgrims where it got its Oriental version which is played on the intersection of lines with inscribed disks, than within squares. This variation is seen in Chinese chess and Shogi which is Japanese chess.
Two ladies playing chess (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Two Japanese women playing chess
Carving representing two women figures playing chess, made in ivory, from Japan, dated to the 19th century
Chess and Art
The equipment needed to play the game led to the fashioning of interesting and beautiful artefact-like boards, dice and chessmen in different media. Seen here is a chess-piece in the form of a knight.
Chess gets organised
The 19th century saw the rise of organized chess competitions, with the first official World Chess Championship held in 1886. The game continued to grow in popularity, leading to the establishment of international chess federations and the introduction of chess notation.
An evolving sport
In the 20th century, the game experienced further evolution with advent of computer chess and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Chess remains a popular game worldwide, played casually and competitively, with online platforms expanding its reach including the use of AI.
Chess in the Museum
The museum has miniature and modern paintings, sculpture, chess tables, chessboards, chessmen in a variety of media and styles; there are the kings, queens, knights, elephants, horses and pawns. There are game-pieces used during pachisi/chaupar/chausar too.
Let us find out!
Emperor Jahangir and Queen Noorjahan playing chess, 20th century, Prince and princess playing chess, 19th century
Chess table (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Chess table
This 19th-century chess set from India is crafted from horn and ivory, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and intricate details. The 32 pieces are beautifully carved and arranged on a pedestal, reflecting the game's royal heritage.
Miniature Painting (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Miniature painting
This 19th-century miniature painting from Rajasthan depicts a lively scene of two people engaged in a conversation, possibly a game of chess, with a lady observing from the balcony.
Chausar piece
Chausar piece in ivory shaped as a hawk, painted over the wings with red colour, from India, dated to the 19th century.
Chausar piece
This intricately carved ivory piece, shaped like a pigeon, dates back to the 19th century. Its green and red colours add a vibrant touch to the piece, it serves as a piece in the ancient Indian game of Chausar, a predecessor to modern chess.
Chausar chessman (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Chausar piece
This ivory carving depicts a seated musician playing the *veena*, a traditional Indian string instrument. The musician's elaborate costume features gold and red accents, from 19th-century India.
Chausar piece (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Chausar piece
This ivory carving depicts a seated female musician playing the *veena*, a traditional Indian string instrument. The musician's upper garment is painted gold, while the rest of her robe is a dark green, highlighting intricate details of the 19th-century piece.
Chess players (19th century)Salar Jung Museum
Chess players
Hans Hamza's 'Chess Players' captures the intensity of a match. This 19th-century Austrian painting showcases the enduring popularity of the game in the region. The details in the artwork give a glimpse into the social setting of chess playing.
Chessman (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
King
This porcelain chess piece, crafted in Austria during the 19th century, depicts a king in a regal robe and crown. The white, black, and yellow colour scheme adds to the piece's elegant aesthetic.
Chessman (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Queen
This porcelain chess piece, crafted in Austria in the 19th century, depicts a queen wearing a crown and royal robe. The piece is painted in white, black, and yellow, adding to its elegant design.
Chess table (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Knight
This 19th-century Austrian porcelain chess piece depicts a knight, a powerful piece in the game. Its raised legs and black spots add to its dynamic character.
Group of chess players (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Group of chess players
This porcelain group depicts three figures playing chess, a man and a woman seated, and another woman standing between them. Crafted in England during the 20th century, the piece showcases the artistry and popularity of the game.
Chessman (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Chessman
This ivory chess piece from 19th-century China depicts a caparisoned elephant. A mahout sits atop its head, and a flag flies from a tower on its back.
Chessman (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Chessman
This 19th-century Chinese chess piece depicts a knight as a mounted horseman. Crafted from ivory, the figure showcases intricate details and a sense of movement.
Chessman (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Chessman
This 19th-century ivory chess piece of a King, crafted in Europe, depicts a crowned king's bust. The piece sits upon a round pedestal.
Chessman (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Chessman
This ivory chess piece from 19th-century Europe portrays a French soldier's bust, complete with uniform and helmet. It stands on a round pedestal.
Chess-piece (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
King
This 19th-century ivory chess piece depicts a young king wearing a crown. The king stands on a round pedestal.
Chess-piece (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Queen
This 19th-century ivory chess piece depicts a crowned queen's bust. It's a beautifully crafted example of a traditional chess piece, with intricate details and a sense of regal presence.
Chess-piece (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Knight
This 19th-century ivory chess piece depicts a knight as a horse's bust, standing on a pedestal. The piece depicts strength.
Chess-piece (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Chessman
This ivory chess piece from India, dated to the 20th century, depicts a standing soldier. The pawn's design reflects a military theme with its sword and shield, and its dark green patterned garment adds a touch of detail.
Chess-piece (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Chessman
This intricately crafted ivory chessman of a'rook' depicts a caparisoned elephant, standing proudly. It features a dark green and gold colour scheme, highlighting the piece's grandeur, dating back to the 20th century.
Chess-piece (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Chessman
This intricate ivory chess piece depicts a standing camel, adorned with intricate details. Crafted in India during the 20th century, it serves as a bishop in the game.
Chess-piece (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Chessman
This intricately carved ivory chess piece, from India, depicts a knight in the form of a caparisoned horse. It stands majestically on a pedestal, showcasing the craftsmanship of the 20th century.
Chess board (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Chess-board
This 19th-century chess set from India is made from ivory and wood. The 32 pieces represent the different roles in the game of strategy and warfare.
Text and Curation: Soma Ghosh
Photography: M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Research Assistance: Dinesh Singh and E. Rajesh
Special thanks to : Shri Ashish Goyal, IIS, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. G. Kusum, Curator, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References –
- The Art of Play: Board and Card Games of India, Topsfield, Andrew, (ed.), Mumbai:
Marg Foundation, 2006.
- The new Encyclopaedia Britannica, 15th edition, London: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Inc., 2010.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.