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Offbeat Alert: Did You Know About This Unique Chess Village Of India?

Chess has been instrumental in reviving Marottichal village, a place that was grappling with alcoholism and illicit gambling for decades. Here's how a sleepy village was transformed by the 1,000-year-old board game

Chess has been instrumental in reviving Marottichal village, a place that was grappling with alcoholism and illicit gambling for decades Photo: pedro7merino/Shutterstock
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The sleepy village of Marottichal in the Thrissur district of Kerala is a famous monsoon destination due to its numerous waterfalls and lush forests. But did you know that this place is also fondly referred to as “the chess village of India?” In fact, the game has been instrumental in reviving a town that was grappling with alcoholism and illicit gambling for decades.