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News18
2 days ago
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Sathurangam': A Window Into Classical Tamizh Through Contemporary Chess
Last Updated: The modern game, largely unchanged in the past couple of centuries, has been through its fair share of iterations as it spread from India to the rest of the world. 'Kal thondri, man thondra kaalathe, mun thondriya mutha tamizh.' Man arrived at the modern iteration of the game consumed worldwide today in its contemporary form came to be through a long trial in the annals of time. While the existing rules of traditional classical chess haven't undergone major changes in recent centuries, possibly since the addition of 'El Passant' circa the 13th century, modern chess is a resultant of multiple iterations birthed in various parts of the globe. Stemming from the peninsular nation, the Arabs took a shine to the game of strategy, bringing it to home territory before it spread to Europe and further on out. In its ancient Indian form, chess or 'Chathuranga' represented the four units of military at a side's disposal, namely infantry, cavalry, elephants, chariots, in addition to a general or a counsellor, and of course, the king. The Persians, who adopted the game in the name of 'Chatrang', went along with the Indian design, opting to call it using the local tongue. The King was 'Shah', the advisor became Wazir, elephantry was termed 'Pil', the cavalry came to be known as 'Asp', the chariot became 'Rokh', and the infantry went by the call 'Piadeh'. As the game spread to the wider Islamic world following the conquest of Persia by the Rashidun Caliphate, the game was endorsed by the name 'Shatranj', labelling the game after the Emperor. There were minor linguistic changes in the nomenclature of the pieces as the Wazir became 'Firzan' and the Pil was sounded 'Fil'. Remodelling of the counsellor to the queen and elephant evolution With the influx of the game into Europe, it underwent a seismic change as the Elephant evolved to the 'Bishop' with an extended reach to the ends of its diagonal range, and the Vizir was upgraded to the modern 'Queen', bestowed with the near-free-flowing motion of the 'Nine-Point Piece'. Nathaniel Cook's introduction of chess as we know it has endured the test of time with the famous Howard Stauton's design striking a chord with the world. Getting Local, Madras Edition While chess is known by the name Sathurangam, more traditional versions prefer the term 'Vallu Palagai', with the pieces taking the name 'Vallu Kaigal'. 'Raja': King The almighty piece on the board, anointed to determine the outcome of the battle, has been the protagonist of the 64 squares since the inception of the game. While some point to the limited range of movement of the piece, it is perhaps what we have come to know as the royal treatment. With the ability to move one space in any direction the ruler deems fit, the nucleus of the game around which the game is built has been the most notable insignia of the board. 'Rani': Queen And the modern 'Mandhiri' or 'Pillai': Bishop Now, this is where it gets a bit tricky. Essentially, the most powerful weapon in the armoury, the Queen, as we know the utilitarian piece today, was formerly described as the 'Manthiri' or the advisor with the prescription to move a piece diagonally. The 'Manthiri's' linguistic journey to 'Wazir', then 'Firz' and the ultimate evolution into the queen, places it as one of the most altered, yet coveted, pieces on the board. With the metamorphosis of the Queen complete, the Elephantry, which could move diagonally, even bypassing pieces in its path, became the Bishop, or the modern 'Mandhiri', with similar diagonal activity but devoid of the ability to go around standard pieces. The elephantry, in its Indian iteration had the ability to move two squares, no more or less diagonally or in front and behind, while the Persians withheld the front and back motion. However, both versions permitted it to jump over pieces stalled in between. The Southeast Asians preferred to go with their elephantry to move a single space diagonally or forward, modelling after the trunk of an elephant. The bishop also goes by 'Pillai' in region home to multiple Chess Grandmasters 'Kudhirai': Knight Modelled after the cavalry force, marked for its swift approach in battle, the iconic 'L-jump' has withstood the test of time. One of the most versatile pieces on the board, the embodiment of the army of horses, serves as an idiosyncratic feature of the game. The differential, if you will. From 'Ratham' (Chariot) To 'Yaanai' (Elephant) The modern rook's origins can be traced back to the chariot unit that could operate in exactly the manner in which we understand as of the day. However, through time, the legion came to be represented as the 'Yaanai'. The indefinite horizontal or vertical range of the Rook has been retained as such since inception, with the piece's impact on end games in particular etching a mark for itself in the sport's trope. 'Sipai', 'Paadhai': Pawn The archetypal indicator of the infantry legion, the frontline warriors, which has the ability to move a couple of spaces on initiation of its ascent up the board, but only one thereafter, initially started out with the licence to move just the single square originally. The ability of the pawn to capture an opposition piece diagonally forward has sustained since inception, but has been granted the authority to be promoted to any piece as the player seem befitting in the modern era in contrast to the original permission to be elevated to the status of the Queen alone. And in a nod to reality, the development story of a Sipai to Rani, remains chess' styling of a rags to riches story. top videos View all Would you look at that! You just learned some Tamizh! And I, some chess! News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Chess India view comments Location : Chennai, India, India First Published: August 10, 2025, 08:02 IST News sports Sathurangam': A Window Into Classical Tamizh Through Contemporary Chess Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Best video I'll watch all year' – Nathan Aspinall throws dart at terrified influencer with apple in his mouth
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NATHAN ASPINALL threw his most daring dart yet as he aimed for an apple in THE MOUTH of an influencer. The Asp was seen in a video with social media star Dean Alex, who has more than one million followers across TikTok and Instagram. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 An influencer was bet he would not allow Nathan Aspinall to throw a dart at him as he held an apple in his mouth Credit: INSTAGRAM @ 7 Dean Alex went on a number of X-rated rants as the tension of Aspinall throwing a dart at his face overwhelmed him Credit: INSTAGRAM @ 7 At one stage Dean says he will hit the darts star because he is dragging it out Credit: INSTAGRAM @ 7 Dean lost his nerve a couple of times due to the hesitation Credit: INSTAGRAM @ The Wrexham influencer was bet by a fan that he would not let Aspinall throw a dart at him while he held an apple in his mouth. The video starts out with Dean putting a brave face on it and appearing to be fearless as he stands in front of a dart board with a granny smith apple in his mouth. However, his mask quickly unravels as someone behind the camera is heard saying: "I'm scared," before Dean pulls the apple out of his mouth and replies: "What do you mean you're scared?" Aspinall is seen limbering up by flexing his arm and fingers, which further terrifies Dean into saying: "Stop doing that, you're not throwing darts if you're shaking like a s***ing dog." READ MORE IN DARTS LOOK ON THE BRIGHTSIDE Darts star claims wife has cost him money by rejecting walk-on song The reaction prompts laughter from Aspinall and Co. before petrified Dean goes back in front of the board. Dean is seen placing his hands in front of his eyes as the world number seven darts player gets ready to throw. But the 33-year-old has a little giggle to himself which sees a tense Dean leave his spot and yell: "F***ing hell. You're f***ing dragging it out." After calming down again, Aspinall offers an apology in advance if he hits him, with Dean reacting by telling him he should have just thrown in and threatening to back out of the challenge. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK However, he composes himself and returns in front of the board with Aspinall at the oche. But once again, Aspinall's hesitation sees Dean lose his nerve as he moves away and says: "F***ing hell, I'm gonna f***ing hit him." Players Championship clash descends into 'pub darts' with even winner looking embarrassed after 'stinking' leg Determined to see it through, Dean then once again returns to his spot as Aspinall lines up his shot. The Premier League Darts star lets loose... And manages to hit his mark as the dart goes straight into the apple, leading to relieved cheers from Aspinall and the crew behind the camera. Dean himself gives the darts star a hug and can be seen relaxing with the tension of the moment resolved. He then repeats his bold assertion at the start of the video but is heard saying: "I'm never doing that again," before the clip ends. Fans were loving the hilarious, thrill-seeking content, with one saying: "This is the best video I'll watch all year." A second said: "This gave me heart palpitations and I wasn't even holding the apple." A third added: "Mate!!!! I s*** myself for you." Another said: "This made my palms sweaty." A fifth said: "I'm gobsmacked the Asp actually went for it. Career over if that goes wrong." However, Dean's danger-seeking days may not be over after his fans challenged him to take a leg kick from namesake and UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall - a bet he has promised to carry out. 7 Aspinall managed to make his mark Credit: INSTAGRAM @ 7 He had a relieved celebration Credit: INSTAGRAM @
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Nathan Aspinall makes major gaffe during 30C heatwave as he shares embarrassing picture after day of golf
Nathan Aspinall was left with a hilarious tan line BURN OUT Nathan Aspinall makes major gaffe during 30C heatwave as he shares embarrassing picture after day of golf Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DARTS star Nathan Aspinall was left red faced - literally - amid the ongoing heatwave. An amber heat health alert was issued for the whole of England as Brits are basking in temperatures as high as 33C . Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Darts star Nathan Aspinall couldn't escape the ongoing heatwave 2 Aspinall was left with a hilarious tan line after a game of golf Aspinall, 33, decided to enjoy the warm weather with a fan round of golf. The Asp took to the green amid high temperatures that reached 30C, but things didn't turn out as well as he hoped. The Stockport native shared a photo showing the toll the bright sun took on him. The thrower might be regretting his hat choice as it left him with a hilarious tan line on his head. Aspinall issued the following caption: "Next time it's 30 degrees, NAH don't wear a hat to play golf lol." Darts fans were left laughing their socks off as they stormed the comments' section. One supporter tweeted: "Wear a bigger hat!" Another commented: "The bottom of his head looks like a treble 20." CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS A third wrote: "Those ears will sting." This fan exclaimed: "Damn." Darts host forced to apologise after Nathan Aspinall's X-rated interview with Asp left covering his face in horror And that one posted: "Should have worn a legionaries hat, neck and ears would've been protected."
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Darts host forced to apologise after Nathan Aspinall's X-rated interview with Asp left covering his face in horror
NATHAN ASPINALL went from hero to zero after accidentally swearing during an on-stage interview. The Asp won the European Tour 8 final last night, beating Damon Heta 8-6 to bank a whopping £30,000. Advertisement 3 Nathan Aspinall covered his face in embarrassment after swearing Credit: PDC 3 The presenter was forced to apologise Credit: PDC Aspinall is in great form after making the Premier League play-off last Thursday by finishing in the top four and he won the night in Aberdeen on May 15. The 33-year-old was asked about his recent brilliance in a live TV interview after picking up the trophy in Leveruksen, Germany yesterday. "When things are not going your way, you have to keep fighting, digging and believing you can get back to your best. That is what I do. Advertisement READ MORE IN DARTS "And the last few weeks have been pretty f***ing good." Aspinall immediately covered his face in horror after his X-rated remark. Host Philip Brzezinski said: "Very nearly Nathan. We apologise for the language." Advertisement Most read in Darts BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK It came after Aspinall also said: "To bounce back after the defeat on Thursday night, to come here and win this tournament, shows where my game's at at the moment. "I don't make games easy but in the semi-final and final I played fantastic. 'Early to be losing your rag' - Commentator blasts darts star as he has MELTDOWN in just second leg "Credit to Damon - I thought that final was absolutely fantastic, it was a great game of darts, nip and tuck." Advertisement 3 Aspinall has built on his brilliant Premier League form Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Luke Humphries apologises to fans after hilarious nine-darter fail leaves even rival Nathan Aspinall laughing
LUKE HUMPHRIES jokingly apologised to fans after failing a nine dart attempt in the Premier League play-off semi-finals. The 30-year-old was three darts away from completing the feat in the fourth leg and needed a 141 to do it. Advertisement 3 Luke Humphries apologised to fans after failing a nine-dart attempt Credit: X/ @OfficialPDC 3 The world No1 held his hand up to the crowd Credit: X/ @OfficialPDC 3 Nathan Aspinall couldn't help but laugh Credit: X/ @OfficialPDC However, on this third trip to the oche in the leg, he completely missed the treble 20 and instead hit one. The crowd sarcastically cheered in response, sparking a hilarious reaction from both World No1 Humphries turned around to the crowd and held his hand up with a smile to apologise. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Humphries went on to win the semi-final 10-7 against the Asp. As a result, he set up a final meeting with Littler held off After the match, the Nuke said: "When he (Price) hit the double five to go 6-4 up I took myself straight off stage, I needed to get myself up for it. Advertisement Most read in Darts CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "The first five or six legs I was nervous and going into the break 6-4 down was not what I wanted. "I knew, especially after last year, that I love coming on after a break so I relaxed myself and I got the job done."
