Sunday, 16 September 2012

Scholars Are Still Wondering Who Invented Chess

By James P. Morgan


We do not have affirmative confirmation who invented chess. From the evidence which is available, the question is under dispute. Archaeological material and writings indicate India, Persia and China as primary sources. What we know is that these regions had substantial links to it early origins.

In China, references in the second century BC text, Shuo Yuan relate to a game called xiangqi originating from the Warring States Period. This period extended from 475 to 225 BC. XiangQi is a military strategy game. Coincidentally dating to the same period is the famous treatise on military strategies The Art of War attributed to Sun Tzu. In this period the first Empire was established in China in 221 BC by Qin Shi Huang. The renowned terracotta army soldiers were buried with him in his tomb.

If we see this entertaining past time as a simulated war game then its logical roots are here. Yet, historians in the west are convinced of a different source. This source is from a much later period in Indian history. Chaturanga, the Indian game from the Gupta empire is attributed be the source of origination.

During the 7th century Chaturanga was adopted in Persia as shatranjin. It is in this form is said to be introduced to Europe during the end of the medieval era. A book from the period of Chosroe I, the Sassanid King, explains the details. This ruler presided over a flourishing kingdom ruling up to 579 AD.

The first mention of chess is found in a Persian poem according to which the roots of the game lie in India. That may be the case as see by the Persians. But that may not be accurate depiction of reality.

Consider the fact that Xian was the origination of the trading route that stretched from China to Europe and went by India and the Mediterranean. This may have been how the introduction was made from China to other areas. Xian is an ancient capital and the location of several empires in early period of a united China. Some of the most significant Chinese dynasties were based here. From this link the Art of War, XiangQi and western chess are connected.

However, today the power of the Queen has given the western form an irrational design from a military standpoint. This is because such a role is rare. The alteration was made in Spain and distinguishes the two forms today. In fact, according to Professor David Li even what is played in the West is better described as QueenQi. According to most scholars the Arabs introduced Spain to this entertaining diversion. The Spanish change is attributed to the role of Queen Isabella. She defeated the Arabs. Under her, Spain started its empire. So one can say today that who invented chess remains undecided.




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