Marottichal, a serene village in Kerala, underwent a remarkable transformation under the visionary efforts of Unnikrishnan, a tea shop owner. His initiative to replace the destructive habit of alcohol consumption with the intellectual game of chess not only saved lives but also reshaped the village’s identity, making it a global inspiration.
In the 1960s, Marottichal struggled with rampant alcoholism, which led to societal decay and fractured familial bonds. Witnessing the damaging effects, Unnikrishnan decided to introduce chess as a constructive alternative. A passionate chess enthusiast himself, he taught the game to his friends and customers at his modest tea shop. Gradually, chess gained traction, replacing the time once wasted on drinking with strategic thinking and intellectual engagement.
Unnikrishnan’s dedication bore fruit as more villagers adopted chess, and the game became a communal activity. Families bonded over chessboards, fostering unity and discipline. The village now boasts nearly 90% of its population actively engaged in chess, earning Marottichal the title of “Chess Village.” This initiative not only curbed alcoholism but also elevated the intellectual prowess of its residents.
The story of Marottichal resonates with the theme of the Malayalam movie August Club (2013). The film delves into the philosophical depth of chess and its parallels with life. It portrays chess as more than just a game—it’s a medium for self-discovery, strategy, and handling life’s complexities. Similarly, Unnikrishnan’s chess revolution symbolizes the power of a single idea to transform lives, emphasizing the importance of discipline and critical thinking.
Unnikrishnan’s journey highlights how passion and perseverance can drive societal change. His efforts turned Marottichal into a beacon of hope, illustrating how a positive activity can steer people away from destructive habits. The narrative of Marottichal aligns seamlessly with the spirit of August Club, showcasing chess as a metaphor for life’s battles and triumphs.
Today, Marottichal stands as a testament to human resilience and the power of intellect, inspiring countless others to adopt meaningful pursuits to overcome societal challenges.
C.Unnikrishnan was adamant about introducing an activity that could change his villagers’ mindsets, and he succeeded in finding an avenue through Chess. He dedicated his time to transforming his village’s addiction to alcohol and gambling into a recreational addiction to this timeless game.
Today, almost 90% of the village is composed of expert chess players with a deep passion for the game. C. Unnikrishnan personally dedicated his time and resources to teaching 700+ people how to play Chess. This is why Marottichal is known as the “Chess Village of India”.
Chess Culture in Marottichal
The cascading impact of Unnikrishnan efforts resonated through the village, sparking lifelong curiosity in citizens who once strayed far away from the light of communal living. Reformed alcoholics and gamblers alike attribute their change and growth to Unnikrishnan and his dedication to the game.
Due to their strong love and passion for the game of chess, the village arranged a chess spectacle for 1000 people to play the game. This event is the reason why Marottichal has won the URF Asian awards for the most people playing Chess simultaneously.
Being known for high-brow chess activity, this quaint Chess Village has become a hub of international activity.
Tourists and neighbouring villages alike have found the hamlet of Marottichal a haven of novel andi respectable competition. People flock from near and far to put their skills to the test against the chess maestros of Marottichal. In fact, the village has gotten recognition from Viswanathan Anand—the Chess Grandmaster himself!
MemoryTrain: Celebrating the Heritage of Marottichal, Thrissur
At MemoryTrain, they celebrate the heritage and rich legacy of Kerala culture. That is why they have created an authentic chess set composed of unique pieces that act as an ode to ancient Keralian heritage.
They have created two unique chess sets known as the Kerala Chess set (Heritage edition) and a smaller Travel Edition. The significance of these sets is two-fold: they honour the history of Kerala and act as a homage to the efforts of C. Unnikrishnan in building up Marottichal.
Kerala Chess set Heritage Edition
Kerala Chess set ( Travel Edition)
Chess Village Feature on History TV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5A43xeN-vo
