Chaturanga: Ancestor of Chess

Chaturanga is the common ancestor of chess, xiangqi, shogi and makruk.

The ancient Indian strategy board game first appeared around the 7th century.

Players moved pieces across an eight by eight uncheckered ashtāpada board.

Some boards carried special markings whose original meaning remains unknown today.

The ratha moved like a rook but without castling.

Ashva pieces hopped around the board just like a knight does.

A padati foot soldier could never take a double step forward.

Reaching the last rank let a padati promote only to mantri.

Historians still argue over how the gaja elephant actually moved.

One ancient rule made stalemate a win for the stalemated player. Generous.

Stripping every enemy piece away except the raja also won the game.

From Persia, chatrang eventually traveled onward into late medieval Europe.