Submitted by bhatathiri (not verified) on Tue, 2007-03-13 03:57.
Chess is originated in India in the name of Chaturanga.
The great Mahabharata War is the result of Chess.Pandavas got defeated by Kauravas in chaturanga and they have to live in exile. After this the great war took place and there the motivational and inspirational Srimad Bhagavd Gita originated in the battlefied preached by Lord krishna to motivate Arjuna to do his duty as a warrior. Chathurangam - History
The literature of a given time will naturally have reflections of various factors relating to the life-style of the period. Two old vernacular poetries, "Payyannur Paattu" (AD 13th Century) and "Chandrolsavam" (16th Century) mention Chathurangam. Legend has it that Chathurangam was instrumental in the creation of the famous poetic work "Krishnagaattha" by Cherusseri Namboodiri - a scholar who decorated the royal assembly of Raja Udayavarman of Kolathunaadu (1466 - 1471). The works of poets like Punam Namboodiri, Kunchan Nambiar, etc., and the heroic songs of "Vadakkan Paattu" (ballads of North Malabar) written during the 14th to 17th centuries carry mention of Chathurangam.
Historian M P Sankunni Nair has recorded that Rev. Fr. Arnos who came to Kerala for missionary work (AD 1681 - 1732), learned Sanskrit and Chathurangam from Namboothiris. Chathurangam columns marked on the floor of house at Velur (Thrissur District) where Arnos "Paathiri" lived his last days can be seen even now as evidence of his love towards the game. Rev. Fr. Poulinose, while referring to the old educational system in Kerala, points out the special role of Chathurangam in the development of one's mental faculty.
Namboothiris in Chathurangam
In Kerala, Namboothiris occupied a place of pride in the renowned centres of learning like Kodungallur, Koodallur, Payyur, etc. They also enjoyed a high degree of royal favours in the power centres. It was mainly Namboothiris and upper caste people who were acquiring knowledge in Sanskrit, Logic, Literature, "Saasthrams" (sciences), etc. Chathurangam tests one's mental faculty; it also boosts up the self-esteem of the victor. Hence, it was the favourite recreation of Namboothiris, according to "Katthakali Rangam" written by K P S Menon. Famous historian, K P Padmanabha Menon has also acknowledged the Namboothiris' love for the game and their expertise too.
Famous temples, Manas or Illams of rich Namboothiri landlords were adorned with permanent arenas for Chathurangam. Many famous temples in Kerala have permanent structures of granite floorings with 64 squares carved on it for playing Chathurangam. These in-built boards were regularly used by the Namboothiris who assembled in large numbers in these temples for festivals and feasts, and occasionally by small groups of travellers who chanced to stay overnight in the premises.
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Chess is originated in India in the name of Chaturanga.
The great Mahabharata War is the result of Chess.Pandavas got defeated by Kauravas in chaturanga and they have to live in exile. After this the great war took place and there the motivational and inspirational Srimad Bhagavd Gita originated in the battlefied preached by Lord krishna to motivate Arjuna to do his duty as a warrior. Chathurangam - History
The literature of a given time will naturally have reflections of various factors relating to the life-style of the period. Two old vernacular poetries, "Payyannur Paattu" (AD 13th Century) and "Chandrolsavam" (16th Century) mention Chathurangam. Legend has it that Chathurangam was instrumental in the creation of the famous poetic work "Krishnagaattha" by Cherusseri Namboodiri - a scholar who decorated the royal assembly of Raja Udayavarman of Kolathunaadu (1466 - 1471). The works of poets like Punam Namboodiri, Kunchan Nambiar, etc., and the heroic songs of "Vadakkan Paattu" (ballads of North Malabar) written during the 14th to 17th centuries carry mention of Chathurangam.
Historian M P Sankunni Nair has recorded that Rev. Fr. Arnos who came to Kerala for missionary work (AD 1681 - 1732), learned Sanskrit and Chathurangam from Namboothiris. Chathurangam columns marked on the floor of house at Velur (Thrissur District) where Arnos "Paathiri" lived his last days can be seen even now as evidence of his love towards the game. Rev. Fr. Poulinose, while referring to the old educational system in Kerala, points out the special role of Chathurangam in the development of one's mental faculty.
Namboothiris in Chathurangam
In Kerala, Namboothiris occupied a place of pride in the renowned centres of learning like Kodungallur, Koodallur, Payyur, etc. They also enjoyed a high degree of royal favours in the power centres. It was mainly Namboothiris and upper caste people who were acquiring knowledge in Sanskrit, Logic, Literature, "Saasthrams" (sciences), etc. Chathurangam tests one's mental faculty; it also boosts up the self-esteem of the victor. Hence, it was the favourite recreation of Namboothiris, according to "Katthakali Rangam" written by K P S Menon. Famous historian, K P Padmanabha Menon has also acknowledged the Namboothiris' love for the game and their expertise too.
Famous temples, Manas or Illams of rich Namboothiri landlords were adorned with permanent arenas for Chathurangam. Many famous temples in Kerala have permanent structures of granite floorings with 64 squares carved on it for playing Chathurangam. These in-built boards were regularly used by the Namboothiris who assembled in large numbers in these temples for festivals and feasts, and occasionally by small groups of travellers who chanced to stay overnight in the premises.