Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s3.t2.26

c7.s3.t2.26

⁴ Compare the opinion of Amir Khusrau, K.K., f. 709. Mr. Bland is an advocate of the Persian origin. Irwin, in his book on chess claims to have successfully traced the origin of chess to China, the home of many inventions. He bases his opinion on some very ancient Chinese MS. (which he did not examine for himself) and attributes the discovery to the talents of a Chinese general who wanted to engage his soldiers in a game, to keep them away from politics. Macdonnel in *J.A.R.S.*, 1898, ‘Origin and early history of Chess’ has made it clear that there is positive evidence of an Indian embassy visiting Chosrau Anusharvan towards the end of the sixth century and of the introduction of chess in Persia through this embassy at about the same time. The story of the Indian embassy to Persia is found in every important Muslim history that deals with the subject. *Nard* is claimed to have been introduced into Hindustan from Persia on the return of this embassy.