INDIAN WORLD

VALLATTAM - CHESS OF THE TAMILS  வல்லாட்டம் - பழந்தமிழர் விளையாட்டு ________________________ Vallattam gamesmen - Poluvampatti Tamil Nadu  ______________________________________________ Ancient Chess of Tamils:  In Tamil Nadu, the game of chess was known as Vallattam or Vallupor during the Sangam period, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Mother Game:  Vallattam is considered the "mother game" of Chaturanga, the ancient Indian form of chess from which the modern game evolved. Historical Evidence:  Mentions of Vallattam can be found in Sangam literature like Agananooru (377) and Kalithogai (94), indicating its popularity and significance in ancient Tamil society. Chess pieces from this period have also been discovered during excavations in Tamil Nadu.   Ancient Roots: References to Vallattam exist in Tamil Sangam literature such as Agananooru, Kalithogai, Puram, Kutrala Kuravanchi, Naalaayira Divya Prabhandham, and Paripadal. This suggests it was playe...