Chess in Maharashtra has a long, rich and Honourable history. History books mention that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his Mother, Jijabai Played a game of chess. The tradition continued even in the rule of The Peshwas.

It is said that one of the three and half wise men, Sakharam Bapu, used a game of chess to suggest a poliitical move, to Bhonsale of Nagpur. A pandit in court of Bajirao second, wrote a book, 'Vilasmani Manjiri', on the opining moves in chess.