Historical researcher revives nearly extinct Malay chess game

The rediscovery of this nearly extinct cultural treasure is the result of years of dedicated research by Malay history and civilisation researcher, Dr Mohd Hasanuddin Mohd Yusof. Over six years of field research, including travels to various locations such as islands in Indonesia, Brunei, and the southern Philippines, he successfully recreated a set of Malay chess games.

In a recent interview with Bernama, Mohd Hasanuddin, 43, said his research identified at least 16 types of Malay chess games played among the Malay community, including Catur Gajah (Elephant Chess), Catur Harimau (Tiger Chess), Catur Perang (War Chess), and Catur Raja (King Chess).

"For example, in Catur Harimau and Catur Perang, I interviewed elderly individuals in villages in Aceh and West Sumatra who still practise these games. I also discovered a written record preserved by a member of the Malaysian Historical Society in the Negeri Sembilan branch, detailing the rules of these chess variants.

"Although these games were also played in Indonesia, we share a common cultural heritage. Just as the keris (dagger) and silat (martial arts) exist in both Malaysia and Sumatra or Java, Malay chess was also once widespread. However, today, no one here seems to remember how to play it," he said.

According to Mohd Hasanuddin, the Malay community historically had multiple variations of chess because their society was deeply artistic and intellectual.

"If we examine traditional Malay house construction, weaponry, and boats, we see intricate carvings and motifs. Similarly, Malay chess games each had unique strategies that trained players to think critically and prevented boredom," he said.

Highlighting the advantages of Malay chess, Hasanuddin, who hails from Langkap, Teluk Intan, Perak, explained that the game is quicker and more straightforward compared to modern chess, as players do not need long periods to complete a match.

"Additionally, Malay chess has no religious symbols, animal carvings (figurines), or depictions of living beings--elements that are not culturally appropriate for Malays, who are predominantly Muslim," he added, noting that even children as young as four can learn to play.

Further elaborating, Mohd Hasanuddin, who holds a PhD in Malay World Civilisation from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, emphasised that Malay chess was designed as a form of mental exercise, helping players develop strategic thinking skills.

"For instance, Catur Perang trains players to think strategically and conquer the opponent's fortress (Rimba) swiftly, while Catur Harimau challenges the 'Tiger' to escape from a 'Goat' blockade, and vice versa," he explained, adding that the game also serves as a form of entertainment that strengthens social bonds.

Sharing how his research into Malay chess began, Mohd Hasanuddin said his studies were inspired by historical texts such as Sulalatus Salatin (The Malay Annals) and Tuhfat an-Nafis, which document Malay chess as an intellectual game played during the Melaka Sultanate in the 15th century and the Old Johor Sultanate in the 16th century.

"For example, Sulalatus Salatin, written by Tun Sri Lanang, records that two skilled chess players--Tun Bahara from Pasai and Tun Pikrama from Melaka- were prominent during the Melaka Sultanate," he said.

Additionally, he found references to Malay chess in international journals, including Malay Chess by T.B. Elcum and Rules in Malay Chess by R.O. Winstedt, published in the Journal of the Straits Branch of The Royal Asiatic Society in 1907 and 1917, respectively.

Regarding the Malay chess set he has developed, which is sold for RM80, Mohd Hasanuddin explained that it includes a book on Malay chess history and gameplay instructions, four game boards, and chess pieces for five different Malay chess variations. A QR code linking to interactive tutorial videos is also provided to help people learn the game.

"I hope that Malay chess, as part of our cultural heritage, can be preserved for future generations. I also hope more people will come forward to help revive this nearly forgotten traditional game," he said.

--BERNAMA