Unknown Artist
The first version of the game of chess is known from India from the Gupta dynasty ruling in the 6th century. The game was then known as chaturanga, and it was adopted in Sassanid Persia, which was the form of chess brought to late-medieval Europe. The exact rules of chaturanga are unknown and its story is very much of a mystery. The Sanskrit word chaturanga means "four-limbed" or "four arms" and refers to ancient army divisions of infantry, cavalry, elephantry, and chariotry. There are some suspicions that it is much older than 6th century ... the first substantial argument is the fact that the chariot is the most powerful piece on the board, although chariots had been obsolete in warfare for at least five or six centuries.
Today we present a Deccan painting (which is the form of Indian miniature painting produced in the Deccan region of Central India) depicting a prince and princess playing chess. There is nothing strange about it, as chess for centuries was called the Game of Kings as the game was played by royalty and nobility throughout history, in many parts of the world.