This game is the precursor of at least 8 other games and is also named after a Yoga pose or they may be named after each other!
The term is CHATURANGA!
Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), often called the “yogi push-up,” is a foundational arm-balancing posture in vinyasa and power yoga. It requires intense core strength and stability, bridging the transition from a high plank to a low hover!
Even in dreams if I think of Chaturanga Dandasana, I will end up with a cramp!
Then again the other Chaturanga is also not my cup of tea (or filter coffee for that matter!)
This ‘Chaturanga’ is the earliest known ancestor of modern chess, originating in India around the 6th century during the Gupta Empire!
The Sanskrit term translates to “four divisions of the military”—infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots. These four branches served as the direct predecessors to chess’s modern pawns, knights, bishops, and rooks!
Chaturanga was originally played on an uncheckered 8×8 grid called an ashtāpada. Each piece possessed its own unique movement
Raja (King): Moved one square in any direction, identical to the modern king.
Mantri (Counselor/Minister): Moved exactly one square diagonally (the precursor to the modern queen).
Gaja (Elephant): Moved two squares diagonally in any direction and could leap over other pieces.
Ashva (Horse): Moved in the familiar “L-shape” and is the only piece to retain its exact original movement.
Ratha (Chariot): Moved any number of squares horizontally or vertically, exactly like the modern rook.
Padati (Foot Soldier): Moved one square forward and captured diagonally, similar to a modern pawn.
Around the 7th century, the game traveled along the Silk Road to Persia, where it was called Chatrang (and later Shatranj in Arabic).
The Persians adopted the game, and many modern chess terms stem directly from this era:
Shah (King)
Shah Mat (The King is dead/helpless), which evolved into the term Checkmate!
Over the centuries, the rules underwent major shifts. In 15th-century Europe, the weak Counselor piece evolved into the powerful Queen, and the Elephant was transformed into the Bishop, resulting in the fast-paced, complex game we know as modern chess!
Then again since the origin is Indian; the champions even of the modern Chess are indians especially the younger generation! Guess it has come a full Chaturanga circle!
Even the role of Amrish Puri came a full circle! Starting with character actor to villain then back to character actor!
Now stop playing mental Chaturanga and sleep!
Shubh ratri…
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