The precursors of chess originated in northern India during the Gupta empire , where its early form in the 6th century was known as Chaturanga . This translates as ` the four divisions ' , meaning infantry , cavalry , elephantry , and chariotry , represented by the pieces that would evolve into the modern pawn , knight , bishop , and rook , respectively . The precursors of chess originated in India during the Gupta empire , where its early form in the 6th century was known as ( ( chaturanga ) ) , which translates as `` four divisions ( of the military ) '' : infantry , cavalry , elephantry , and chariotry , represented by the pieces that would evolve into the modern pawn , knight , bishop , and rook , respectively .