The Origins of Chess

Most people have realized that we are not equal — neither in appearance nor in abilities. In India, centuries before our era, people began categorizing individuals based on their roles in society, such as warriors, hunters, farmers, and priests. This classification is described in the Vedic literature from around 500-600 BC and marks the beginning of the Hindu caste system, which still exists in India today.

Rooted in polytheism and guided by sacred scriptures, this system upheld the division of classes, the concept of reincarnation, and the central role of the god Brahma. Kings and their officials were seen as divinely ordained, granting monarchs absolute authority. The Brahmins, acting as enforcers of justice, played a key role in maintaining social order. Beneath them, the feudal elite, composed of lower officials, controlled vast areas of land and local power structures.