From Shatranj to Modern Chess: A Quick History

From Shatranj to Modern Chess: A Quick History:

Chess evolved from "Chaturanga", a 6th-century Indian war game, into "Shatranj" in Persia, before reaching Europe and becoming modern chess. Here’s how it changed:  

1. Chaturanga (India, 6th century)  
- (8x8 board), pieces represented army units:  
  - "Infantry" → Pawns  
  - "Elephants"→ Weak bishops (moved 2 squares diagonally)  
  - "No queen"—just a slow "counselor" (1 square diagonally).  

2. Shatranj (Persia & Arab World, 7th–15th century)
- "Dice removed"—pure strategy.  
- "Checkmate"invented ("Shah Mat" = "king is helpless").  
- Slow gameplay—weak pieces meant long endgames.  

3. Europe’s Revolution (15th–19th century)
- Queen became powerful (replacing the counselor).  
- Pawns moved 2 squares , bishops gained range.  
- Castling invented,  for faster king safety.  

4. Modern Chess (Today)
- Aggressive openings , deep theory, and computer analysis.  
- Arabic roots remain: "Rook" (from "Rukh"), "Checkmate" ("Shah Mat").  

Why It Matters:  Chess transformed from a slow war game into a dynamic battle of wits—thanks to centuries of cultural exchange!