Marottichal, a small village in the Thrissur district of Kerala, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Once plagued by alcohol addiction and gambling, this community of nearly 6,000 residents has found redemption through chess. The village is now celebrated as the "Chess Village of India," where the game has not only fostered a strong sense of community but has also helped individuals overcome personal struggles.
In the 1970s, Marottichal was notorious for its nut-based alcohol production, which led to widespread addiction that affected countless families. Gambling further exacerbated the problems in the village, creating a dark atmosphere where many residents felt trapped in cycles of dependency. The situation appeared dire until the late 1980s when Charaliyil Unnikrishnan returned to his hometown after living abroad. He opened a teahouse, which became a sanctuary for villagers seeking solace from their vices.
Unnikrishnan's vision extended beyond serving tea; he introduced chess as a constructive distraction. He began teaching the game to residents, emphasizing its potential to engage the mind and promote social interaction. Over the years, he has trained nearly 1,000 villagers and has even competed against international grandmasters. His efforts have not only rekindled hope in Marottichal but also established it as a hub for chess enthusiasts.
The village's chess culture blossomed, leading to several local and national tournaments. In 2016, Marottichal made headlines when it was awarded a Universal Asian Record for hosting the greatest number of amateur competitors playing chess simultaneously in Asia. This accolade solidified its reputation as a center for chess excellence.
Among the many young talents to emerge from Marottichal is 15-year-old Gowrishankar Jayaraj. Currently ranked within India's top 600 active chess players by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), Jayaraj is already recognized as something of a prodigy. His skill is evident to those around him. "Gowrishankar is just 15 and already something of a chess prodigy. He beats me even when he is blind," remarked Baby John, a fellow resident and chess enthusiast.
The impact of chess on the village has been profound. "More than 4,500 people here – or 75 percent – of the village’s 6,000 residents are proficient players," John continued. These statistics highlight how deeply ingrained chess has become in Marottichal’s culture.
As the village embraced chess, residents began to notice significant changes in their lives. Charaliyil Unnikrishnan reflected on this transformation, stating, "It was a dark time back then for our community. We truly started to piece together our lives around this beautiful board." Chess provided an avenue through which residents could build relationships and develop new interests.
Francis Kachapilly, another local player, shared his experience: "Before we knew chess, many [of us] were listless. We didn’t have a focus. Chess gave us something new." The game encouraged residents to come together in new ways, fostering conversations and connections that replaced their previous habits.
The social benefits of chess extend beyond mere enjoyment. According to Rosie Meeks, an advocate for community development through games, chess can "reduce violence and conflict, develop communication and other skills, and promote positive use of leisure time." In Marottichal, these principles have manifested in tangible ways as residents have shifted their focus from drinking and gambling to strategizing over a chessboard.
Unnikrishnan's teahouse has become the epicenter of this cultural shift. It serves as a gathering place for players of all ages to enjoy matches and share their passion for the game. Many residents credit this communal spirit with aiding their recovery from addiction and improving their overall quality of life.
Vallur, another local player who faced personal challenges, recounted his journey: "Doctors told my family and friends that my brain had been severely damaged by the crash," he said, reflecting on how chess became an essential part of his recovery process. The game provided him with both mental stimulation and a supportive community, helping him reclaim his life.
As Marottichal continues to flourish under its newfound identity as a chess village, its success story has inspired neighboring communities to adopt similar initiatives. Villages throughout Kerala are beginning to recognize the potential of chess as a tool for social change and personal development.
Documenting this extraordinary journey is the 35-minute film "The Pawn of Marottichal," which captures the essence of how chess has transformed lives in this small village. The film showcases not only the game but also the stories behind it—stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph.
Unnikrishnan's influence extends beyond just teaching chess; he aims to inspire future generations. "I taught his mother how to play. He is going to make the whole of India proud," he said proudly about Gowrishankar Jayaraj. This sentiment reflects a broader hope that the children of Marottichal will carry forward the legacy of chess, continuing to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors.
