ancient chessboard, Lothal in Gujarat, India,

This ancient chessboard, excavated from Lothal in Gujarat, India, is the earliest known chessboard in the world, dating back to around 2400 BC. The remarkable resemblance between the terracotta chessmen discovered at Lothal and modern chess pieces highlights the game’s deep historical roots.

It appears that the Indian game of Chaturanga, a precursor to chess, originated from one of the indoor games played by the Harappans. Archaeological findings, including game pieces, boards, and dice, provide valuable insights into the leisure activities enjoyed by this ancient civilization, emphasizing their sophistication in gameplay.

Dice games were particularly popular during the Harappan period and continued to be significant in later times, notably during the era of the Mahabharata. The epic recounts how the Pandava prince lost everything, including his kingdom, in a dice game. The Rigveda also references games, mentioning the use of Vibhitika wood for making dice, showcasing the long-standing tradition of gaming in Indian culture.