Amritsar, the historic city renowned for its cultural and artisanal heritage, is now basking in the glow of an unexpected spotlight—world-class chess manufacturing. The 2024 World Chess Champion, 18-year-old D Gukesh, achieved his historic victory using a chess set intricately crafted in Amritsar. This feat not only cements India’s rising supremacy in chess but also highlights the untapped potential of Amritsar as a global chess manufacturing hub.
At the heart of this story is Baljit Singh, a 34-year veteran of chess piece craftsmanship, whose skillful hands brought life to the championship set. Baljit works at Girdhari Lal Chopra Agents Pvt Ltd, an Amritsar-based firm established in 1920. This company has been the exclusive manufacturer of the World Chess Championship sets since 2012, making it an integral part of global chess history.
The championship set used by Gukesh was designed by Daniel Weil, commissioned by the renowned design firm Pentagram for FIDE, the International Chess Federation. Carved from boxwood, also known as papri wood, the set features weighted pieces for stability and detailed craftsmanship, particularly in the knights, which are known for their intricate design. Each piece is polished and coated for smooth movement, making the set a functional work of art.
Aditya Chopra, the owner of the firm, explains the set’s prestige: “This is not just a chess set; it’s a collector’s item. The features of the pieces, especially the knight, are designed with aesthetics and functionality in mind. Gukesh’s victory has added tremendous value to this already iconic design.” To honor the moment, the firm has launched a limited-edition run of the championship set, branded as “World Chess X Gukesh,” which is expected to fetch $300-$500 globally.
Despite the global acclaim, the artisans of Amritsar face challenges. Baljit Singh, a senior craftsman, recalls the demanding nature of his work. “Precision is everything,” he says. “Any minor mistake can ruin an entire day’s effort.” Over the years, declining financial stability has overshadowed the pride of craftsmanship for many workers.
The process of crafting these sets is as meticulous as it is labor-intensive. Wood, sourced from regions like Chhattisgarh and Odisha, undergoes stringent drying before being carved and chiseled. Baljit, known for his precision, is tasked with shaping the challenging pieces like bishops and knights. His steady output of 50 to 80 knights a week is a testament to his skill and dedication, even as he laments the waning financial incentives of his trade.
While Gukesh’s triumph has brought renewed attention to Amritsar’s chess industry, local manufacturers stress the need for government support to develop infrastructure and ensure sustainable livelihoods for artisans. As Aditya Chopra points out, “The win is a reminder of the global relevance of our craftsmanship. With proper backing, Amritsar could truly establish itself as a world-class chess manufacturing hub.”
For now, Amritsar’s artisans continue to chisel their legacy, one piece at a time, hoping the world takes notice of their unparalleled craftsmanship—just as D Gukesh did with his historic victory.
